Lignite, often referred to as 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.

लिग्नाइट (Lignite) निकृष्ट वर्ग का पत्थर कोयला है। इसका रंग कत्थई या काला-भूरा होता है तथा आपेक्षिक घनत्व भी पत्थर कोयला से कम होता है। यह वानस्पतिक ऊतक के रूपांतरण की प्रारंभिक अवस्था को प्रदर्शित करता है।