lignite

Also known as brown coal

Lignite (), often called brown coal, is a soft, brown, combustible sedimentary rock formed from naturally compressed peat. It has a carbon content around 25–35% and is considered the lowest rank of coal due to its relatively low heat content. When removed from the ground, it contains a very high amount of moisture, which partially explains its low carbon content. Lignite is mined all around the world and is used almost exclusively as a fuel for steam-electric power generation.

AI overview

Lignite, also known as brown coal, is a soft sedimentary rock with relatively low carbon content (25–35%) that forms from compressed peat and contains significant moisture. It is the lowest-ranking type of coal and is mined worldwide primarily to generate electricity in steam-electric power plants.

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Wikidata facts

Image: Mineral Lignito GDFL028.jpg

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Commons category: Lignite
exact match: purl.obolibrary.org/obo/ENVO_2000008

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Article

19 sections

Contents

Characteristics
Uses
As fuel
Home heating
In agriculture {{anchor|in agriculture}}
In drilling mud {{anchor|in industry}}
As an industrial adsorbent
In jewellery {{anchor|in jewelry}}
Geology
Extraction
Resources and reserves
List of countries by lignite resources
Australia
North America
Production
Gallery
See also
References
External links

Lignite combustion produces less heat for the amount of carbon dioxide and sulfur released than other ranks of coal. As a result, lignite is the most harmful coal to human health. Depending on the source, various toxic heavy metals, including naturally occurring radioactive materials, may be present in lignite and left over in the coal fly ash produced from its combustion, further increasing health risks.