We have determined the nature of the organic and mineral reaction during the pyrolysis of saline zone Colorado oil shale containing large amounts of nahcolite and dawsonite. Results reported included a material balanced Fischer assay and measurements of gas evolution rate for CH4, C2Hx, H2, CO, and CO2. Stoichiometry and kinetics of the organic pyrolysis reactions are similar to oil shale from the Mahogany zone. X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis results are used to help determine the characteristics of the mineral reactions Kinetic expressions are reported for dawsonite decomposition, and it is demonstrated that the temperature of dolomite decomposition is substantially lower than for Mahogany Zone shale because of the presence of the sodium minerals.