Abstract: This paper mainly described the influence of normal and trace elements on hydrocarbon generating potential and organic carbon determination of Jurassic low rank coal from the Liudaowan coalfield, Zhungaer, Xinjiang, China. Coal samples were examined using inductively coupled plasmaatomic emission spectrometry and Xray fluorescence spectrometry. The results show that almost all of the major elements and their minerals, except some elements which play as a catalyst in processing of coal derived hydrocarbon, have passive roles in the processing obviously. These are likely attributed to the elements and their minerals reducing the content of organic matter in coals. However, trace elements play complex roles in the processing. The reasons are not only the difference of organic affinity between trace element and coal chemical composition, but also trace elements playing as a catalyst in pyrolysis of coal macromolecule. Additionally, some trace elements in coals, which indicate the paleoclimate and the types of bog in coalforming period, can also show hydrocarbon generating potential of coal, such as Cu which has a strong affinity to organic macromolecule in coals. Cu is a facies element, and may be an indicator element of hydrocarbon generating potential．