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Lignite identification and geology

Lignite rock reference specimen

Brownish-black low-rank coal with visible plant structures. The lowest rank of true coal with 60-70% carbon content. Texture: Woody to earthy. Rock type: Sedimentary Organic. Grain size: Organic. Minerals present: Carbon compounds, Plant remains, Clay, Pyrite. Formation: Forms from moderate burial and compaction of peat deposits. Retains recognizable plant structure. Common geological settings: Germany Cologne Basin , Australia, USA North Dakota , India; found in young sedimentary basins. Common look-alikes and related entries: Peat, Bituminous Coal, Jet.

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Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:38:34.079563+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
  • Rocks — U.S. National Park Service. Authoritative overview of rock groups, the rock cycle, and geologic processes.
  • Can you identify my rock or mineral? — U.S. Geological Survey. Identification limitations and routes to in-person professional verification.

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Common questions

What is Lignite?
Brownish-black low-rank coal with visible plant structures. The lowest rank of true coal with 60-70% carbon content.
How can you identify Lignite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records rock type: Sedimentary Organic; texture: Woody to earthy; grain size: Organic; common minerals: Carbon compounds, Plant remains, Clay, Pyrite. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Lignite form?
Forms from moderate burial and compaction of peat deposits. Retains recognizable plant structure.
Where is Lignite commonly found?
Germany Cologne Basin , Australia, USA North Dakota , India; found in young sedimentary basins.
What is Lignite commonly confused with?
Lignite may be confused with Peat, Bituminous Coal, Jet. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.

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