Abstract: Conducting systematic research on the geological characteristics of burnt rock is of great significance for disaster prevention and the full utilization of resources in coal mining areas. This paper comprehensively reviews the current research status of burnt rock from various aspects, including formation mechanisms, classification characteristics, mineralogical and geochemical features, physical and mechanical properties, engineering geological and hydrogeological characteristics, as well as geological and environmental implications. It also highlights the limitations of existing studies. The results indicate that the properties of burnt rock are closely related to the degree of coal spontaneous combustion, burial depth, water content, and other geological conditions. A multidisciplinary integrated classification system, combining petrology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, and mineralogy, has gradually been established, primarily categorizing burnt rock into melted rock, sintered rock, and baked rock. The decomposition of primary minerals such as organic matter, carbonate minerals, and clay minerals, along with the formation of high-temperature minerals like cristobalite, magnetite, mullite, and vitreous materials, can serve as critical indicators for identifying the burning process and vertical zonation. The mechanical properties and structure of burnt rock rapidly deteriorate once temperature thresholds are exceeded, leading to reduced stability of burnt rock masses and a sharp increase in water abundance. These changes can trigger geological disasters such as excessive deformation of burnt rock masses, sudden water inrush and sand outbursts, and abnormal water inflow. Management strategies should follow the principles of comprehensive exploration, prevention-first, and zonal control. Current research faces several major challenges, including unclear formation mechanisms of burnt rock, imprecise evaluation of environmental effects, low resource utilization, insufficient interdisciplinary studies, and weak engineering application research.