Lignite
“Coal's youngest form”
Lignite is the lowest rank of coal, a brownish-black sedimentary rock that still retains visible plant structures from the ancient peat bogs it formed in. With high moisture content and lower energy than other coals, it represents the earliest stage of coalification.
carbon (25-35%), volatile organic matter, moisture, clay minerals, pyrite
Lusatia (Germany), North Dakota (USA), Victoria (Australia), Thessaloniki (Greece), Saskatchewan (Canada)
1-2
Germany's Lusatia region has massive open-pit lignite mines so large they've swallowed entire towns — over 100 villages have been relocated to make way for mining.
Test Your Knowledge
Why does lignite have a much lower energy density than anthracite or bituminous coal?
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