Abstract: Trace element geochemistry studies of lignites and silicates in Lincang germanium deposit,Yunnan Province indicate most trace element mainly came from the muscovite granites in the basement of the sedimentary basin,germanium was mainly carried by hydrothermal water,a positive correlation was found between Ge and Nb in the Ge rich lignites,Nb can be regarded as the indicate element of germanium mineralization.All results came from 51 mineral rich coal samples,5 mineral free coal samples and 9 silicate samples with ICP MS method.