sedimentary
Anthracite Coal
Anthracite (Highly Metamorphosed Coal)
Hardness: 2.5-3.0; Color: Black or dark brownish-black; Luster: Submetallic to vitreous (glassy); Structure: Amorphous/Non-crystalline; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 1.3-1.8
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Black or dark brownish-black
- Luster
- Submetallic to vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.5-3.0; Color: Black or dark brownish-black; Luster: Submetallic to vitreous (glassy); Structure: Amorphous/Non-crystalline; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 1.3-1.8
Formation & geological history
Formed through the burial and intense pressure/heat of peat and organic plant matter over millions of years, typically during the Carboniferous period. It is the highest grade of coal, having undergone low-grade metamorphism.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a residential and industrial fuel due to its high carbon content and low impurity levels. Also used in water filtration and as a pigment or for carving decorative items.
Geological facts
Anthracite contains the highest percentage of fixed carbon (86% to 97%) of all coal types and burns with a clean blue flame, producing very little smoke.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its glassy, jet-black appearance and the fact that it does not soil fingers when touched (unlike bituminous coal). Commonly found in the Appalachian mountains of Pennsylvania, USA.
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