Leonardite
Leonardite is a naturally occurring, oxidized form of lignite coal characterized by its high content of humic acids, typically appearing as a soft, waxy, black or brown, shiny, vitreous mineraloid that is readily soluble in alkaline solutions.[1][2] This mineraloid forms through the natural oxidation and weathering of lignite deposits, often found at shallow depths overlying more compact coal seams in regions such as North Dakota in the United States, Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada, and parts of Thailand and other lignite-bearing areas.[3][4] The term "leonardite" originally refers to a specific deposit discovered in the early 20th century near Leonard, North Dakota, but it is now commonly applied to similar oxidized lignites worldwide.[3][5] Chemically, leonardite is rich in humic substances, with humic acid content ranging from approximately 39% to 85% depending on the deposit, alongside fulvic acids and mineral matter such as silica, clay, gypsum, and trace elements like iron, manganese, zinc, and potassium.[6][7] Its pH varies from acidic (around 1.8–6.2), and it contains significant organic matter (19–61%), making it distinct from unoxidized lignite due to the presence of carboxyl groups and other functional groups that enhance its solubility and bioactivity.[6][8] Leonardite is primarily valued for its applications as a soil conditioner and biostimulant in agriculture, where extracts of humic and fulvic acids improve nutrient uptake, enhance soil microbial activity, and reported to increase crop yields in various studies, including on tomatoes.[9][10] It is also used in horticulture, reclamation of saline or depleted soils, and as a feed additive in aquaculture to support growth and water quality.[1][11] Global resources are substantial; for example, speculative resources in Alberta alone exceed 2 million tonnes, supporting its commercial extraction and processing into fertilizers and amendments.[1]Definition and Properties
Physical Characteristics
Leonardite is a soft, waxy mineraloid characterized by a black or brown coloration and a shiny, vitreous appearance. This earthy substance often presents as a loose, porous mass that is easily crumbled due to its friable nature, a trait first noted in outcrop exposures where it contrasts with the more compact and harder underlying lignite.[2] In terms of solubility, leonardite dissolves readily in alkaline solutions, such as sodium hydroxide, forming dark-brown solutions with minimal residue, while remaining insoluble in water and acids, where it can be reprecipitated at pH levels of 4 or below.[2] The density of leonardite typically falls in the range of 1.1 to 1.5 g/cm³, reflecting its lightweight and absorbent structure compared to denser coal forms. Moisture content varies significantly by deposit, often ranging from 20% to 40%, which contributes to its swelling behavior when exposed to water—expanding to several times its original volume in some types.[12][13]Chemical Composition
Leonardite is primarily composed of humic substances, which form the core of its organic fraction and account for up to 90% of the material, including humic acids (typically 30-80%), fulvic acids, and humins.[14][6] The overall organic matter content in leonardite ranges from 56% to 85%, distinguishing it as a concentrated source of these complex macromolecules derived from the oxidation of lignitic precursors.[15][16] The elemental composition of leonardite reflects its oxidized nature, with carbon comprising 50-60%, oxygen 30-40%, hydrogen 4-6%, and nitrogen 1-2% on a dry basis, alongside sulfur at around 0.5-2%.[4][17] This higher oxygen content compared to lignite results from extensive oxidation processes during its formation, enhancing its reactivity through increased oxygenated functional groups.[2][18] Trace minerals are also present, including potassium (0.8-2.5%), iron (0.6-5%), phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and zinc, which contribute to its agronomic value.[15][6] At the molecular level, leonardite's humic substances feature a heterogeneous structure combining aromatic and aliphatic chains, enriched with functional groups such as carboxyl, phenolic hydroxyl, and carbonyl moieties.[14][19] These groups confer acidic properties, with the material typically exhibiting a pH of 3.7-6.2, and enable ion exchange and chelation capabilities.[6] The International Humic Substances Society (IHSS) utilizes leonardite-derived humic acid as a reference standard for modeling and research due to its representative composition.[17][20]| Element/Compound | Typical Range (% dry basis) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 50-60 | [web:9], [web:39] |
| Oxygen (O) | 30-40 | [web:9], [web:39] |
| Hydrogen (H) | 4-6 | [web:9], [web:17], [web:39] |
| Nitrogen (N) | 1-2 | [web:9], [web:17], [web:39] |
| Potassium (K₂O) | 1-3 | [6] |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.6-5 | [web:91] |