Lignite (Brown Coal)

Lignite, often referred to as Brown Coal is a soft combustible sedimentary rock form by the natural compression of peat material. It has a high carbon content 25 - 35% & a moisture content up to 66%. The high volatile matter content makes it easier to convert into gas and liquid petroleum products than higher ranking coals. Unfortunately its high moisture content and susceptibility to spontaneous combustion can cause problems in transportation and storage. It is used almost exclusively for the generation of electricity in countries such as Greece & China. Germanium is extracted from lignite mined in China. This example is from Miocene deposits in Germany. Specimens are supplied in labelled card trays.