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The distribution of trace metals between crude petroleum and its heavy products has been studied by emission spectrography. The highest concentration of V, Ni, Sb and Mg was associated with the asphaltic fraction. A correlation has been established between the V/Ni, V/Sb and Ni/Sb indices and the geologic age of petroleum. Examination of gas and diesel oils for suitability as catalytic cracking feedstocks has been made on the basis of their Ni equivalent. Lubricating oil was found to retain little or no trace metals from the parent crude oil. The relatively high V content of fuel oil can affect refinery equipment, distillation units and linings of industrial furnaces. Other trace metals are non-destructive or only slightly destructive.