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In order to evaluate rare earth elements (REEs) as a potential proxy for solid bitumen classification, we employed traditional correlation approaches, such as carbon isotopes and V/(V + Ni) ratios, to infer the source rocks of Sinian-Cambrian reservoir solid bitumens in the Sichuan Basin and analyse solid bitumens for their REE compositions by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Our data suggested that Sinian-Cambrian reservoir solid bitumens were primarily sourced from the lower Cambrian shales deposited under anoxic-euxinic conditions. REE and their associated parameters seemed to be more sensitive to classify solid bitumens than traditional correlation approaches. REE concentrations played a dominant role and fractionation degree between light and heavy REE and played a secondary role in solid bitumen classification. REE concentration and pattern in solid bitumens might be controlled by two processes, including inheritance from source rocks and water-rock interaction. The major factor controlling REE concentrations in solid bitumens was the type of organic matter of source rocks. Authigenic minerals in solid bitumens formed by water-rock interaction appeared to have little influence on REE compositions of solid bitumens because of their trace contents. Overall, REE could be used as a novel complementary approach to solid bitumen classification in complicated petroleum systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]