sedimentary

Anthracite Coal

Anthracite

Hardness of 1.5 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale, jet-black to iron-black color, submetallic to vitreous luster, amorphous crystal structure with conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 1.3 to 1.4

Identified August 3, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Hardness of 1.5 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale, jet-black to iron-black color, submetallic to vitreous luster, amorphous crystal structure with conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 1.3 to 1.4

Formation & geological history

Formed from the alteration of bituminous coal through regional metamorphism, typically during the Carboniferous and Permian periods under intense heat and pressure

Uses & applications

Used primarily as a domestic fuel, in water filtration systems, for metallurgical processes, and as a carbon source in industry

Geological facts

Anthracite is the highest rank of coal, containing the highest carbon content (up to 98%) and the lowest moisture content, burning cleanly with a short blue flame

Field identification & locations

Identified by its high glossy luster, conchoidal fracture, and lack of the powdery residue left by lower-rank coals; found in major coal-producing regions like Pennsylvania, USA, and Wales