Abstract: This paper presents the distribution characteristics of beryllium in Chinese coals based on 1018 samples from different geological ages and regions all over the country. By means of float-sink experiments and maceral analysis for 10 Chinese coal samples and by the introduction of Solari model, the modes of occurrence of beryllium in coal are studied. The results show that there are relatively remarkable differences among distribution and occurrence of beryllium in coals from different ages and regions in China. Taking account of the differences of coal resources in different regions, the weighted average concentration of beryllium in Chinese coals is calculated. The result shows that the average content of beryllium in Chinese coals is lower than that in the world. In general, the modes of occurrences of beryllium in macerals are complex but for most coals in China, beryllium is mainly distributed in inertinite and clay minerals and the calculated content of beryllium in vitrinite is lower. It can be anticipated that beryllium in most Chinese coals is difficult to be removed during coal preparation due to its high organic affinity.