Petrographic characteristics and depositional environment of No. 6 coal from Xiaoyugou Mine, Jungar Coalfield, China

This paper discussed the petrographic characteristics of No. 6 coal from the Xiaoyugou mine, Jungar Coalfield, Ordos Basin, China. 10 samples (7 coal, 1 parting mudstone and 2 floor mudstone) were analysed by microscopical and geochemical methods. Four maceral compositions and several associated elements parameters were selected as indicators and corresponding diagrams were drawn to explicate the sedimentary environment. The results indicate that the maceral is dominated by vitrinite and minerals are mainly kaolinite in the No. 6 coal. The sedimentary facies vary from barrier island system to tidal-flat which is a deposition process of water body shallowing and the coal-forming plants are herbs and woody plants formed in swamps. © 2014, The Author(s).