Trace and rare earth element concentrations were determined in 18 lignite and xylite samples from the three horizons of the Lava mine, Servia basin, Northern Greece. Low concentrations (mostly < 50 ppm) of B suggest that the deposits developed under fresh water influence. Very few elements (As, Ag, Cd, U, Se, and Te) can be considered as enriched when compared to Earth's crust averages. The elements Li, Be, Ti, Cr, Ga, Rb, Sr, Zr, Nb, Sn, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Hf, Tl, Pb, Th, and Sc show a great affinity to the ash, while an intermediate affinity is shown by the elements B, V,Co, Ge, Mo, Cd, Sb, Ta, U, and W.A calm, low-energy limnic depositional environment is considered for the first and the third horizons, while for the second horizon, a telmatic to fluvial depositional environment with a very strong terrestrial impact is suggested. The positive Ce anomalies could reflect a relatively reducing environment of formation.