Abstract: Burnt rock is a special type of rock formed by coal seam spontaneous combustion during the geological history.The study of burnt rocks is benefit to discuss the tectonic movement,the paleo-climate,and the palaeo-geography that the coal seam experienced since its formation.Meanwhile,burnt rocks are also important hydro-geological exploration targets.The study of burnt rocks mainly focused on surveying methods in the near 50 years,especially,the discussion on magnetic properties and the definition of the burnt rock boundary by geophysical prospecting.The hydro-geological characteristics have been researched recently.This paper add ressed the research status and pointed out the research direction of burnt rock including patterns of spatial distribution,development characteristics of fracture,hydrogeolo gical conditions of burnt rocks,and its properties and utilization as building materials.