Abstract: Quantitative evaluation of hydrocarbon generation potential of the source rock is an important means of oil and gas exploration. Lots of parameters, such as organic matter abundance, type and maturity of organic matter, were used to describe quantitatively or qualitatively the hydrocarbon-generating potential characteristics of the dark-colored mudstone from well LD2. The valuation of TOC shows that the dark mudstone of Linxi Formation from well LD2 has medium abundance of organic matter. The scattergram of Pr/nC17-Ph/nC18 suggests that the origin of organic matter is of typeⅡ1. The gammacerane index shows that the main sedimentary environment was a reducing environment, which was favorable for the preservation of organic matter. Illite crystallinity shows that the source rock entered into a highly-mature to over-mature stage. The results show that source rock of Linxi Formation from well LD2 in Zhalute basin has good prospect of gas exploration.