sedimentary

Anthracite Coal

Anthracite (C)

Hardness: 2.5-3.0 Mohs; Color: Black or dark grey; Luster: Submetallic, vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Amorphous (glass-like structure); Cleavage: Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 1.3-1.8

Hardness: 2
Color: Black or dark grey
Luster: Submetallic, vitreous (glassy)

Identified June 11, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the remains of ancient plants buried in swamps. Over millions of years (often Carboniferous period), heat and extreme pressure from tectonic movements metamorphed bituminous coal into anthracite.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a high-grade fuel for domestic heating and industrial power generation. Historically used in metallurgy and as a filtration medium. Collected for educational geological sets.

Geological facts

Anthracite contains the highest carbon content (86-97%) of all coal types and has the fewest impurities. It burns with a short blue flame and produces very little smoke.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its high luster, lack of soot when handled compared to soft coal, and brittleness. It is commonly found in the Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania, USA, as well as parts of China and Russia.