Vitrain
Vitrain is a lithotype of coal formed from the bark of large plants. Known for its glossy appearance, vitrain typically occurs in thin bands, between 3 and 10 millimeters in width.[1][2] It has a brittle texture and typically forms cubical pieces when broken.[3] Chemically, vitrain stands out among coal lithotypes by hosting large concentrations of germanium.[4] Combustion of vitrain proves a vital source of germanium production, where the element can be extracted from the leftover ash.
References
- ^ "Vitrain | Railway, Transportation, Logistics | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
- ^ "Vitrain - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics". www.sciencedirect.com. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
- ^ "Vitrain: Mineral information, data and localities". MinDat. 19 June 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
- ^ Stadnichenko, Taisia (1953). "Concentration of Germanium in the Ash of American Coals: A Progress Report" (PDF). Geological Survey Circular (272) – via USGS.gov.
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