Geochemical Characteristics of Rare Earth Elements of Coal in Zibo Coalfield

Key words: 
• rare earth elements /
• geochemistry /
• coal /
• PermoCarboniferous /
• Zibo coalfield

Abstract: The aboudances of the rare earth elements (REEs) of 35 coal samples (including 12 samples of floor and roof seam and 1 gangue sample) in Zibo coalfield were determined by inductively coupleplasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), and the content of ash and some correlative associated elements are also tested. The contents of the REE, geochemical parameters, spatial distribution and distribution patterns were studied in this paper. Furthermore, the author discussed the characteristics and origin of REE in the samples. The results are as follows: Compared with others areas at home and abroad, the REE are obviously enriched in Zibo coalfield. The REE contents in the Taiyuan Formation are higher than that in the Shanxi Formation. They rise from top to bottom in the coal seam and enrich in the floor and roof and gangue samples. The negative anomalies exists in the value of δEu and normal value in δCe indicate that the sedimentary environment of coal may shallow or close sea. The REE in coal is correlative to the ash contents in those coals, and they have good relativity with the terrigenous elements while weak with the marine elements. 