sedimentary
Anthracite Coal
Carbon (with organic impurities)
Hardness: 2.7-3.0 Mohs, Color: Black to dark steel-gray, Luster: Submetallic to brilliant glass-like, Cleavage: Conchoidal fracture, Density: 1.3-1.4 g/cm3
- Hardness
- 2
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.7-3.0 Mohs, Color: Black to dark steel-gray, Luster: Submetallic to brilliant glass-like, Cleavage: Conchoidal fracture, Density: 1.3-1.4 g/cm3
Formation & geological history
Formed from terrestrial plant matter under high pressure and temperature over hundreds of millions of years during deep burial metamorphic/diagenetic processes.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a high-grade industrial and heating fuel, filter media for water purification, and historically in steel making.
Geological facts
Anthracite is the highest rank of coal, containing 86-97% carbon. It burns with a hot, clean, virtually smokeless flame compared to lower-grade bituminous coal.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high luster, deep black color, and conchoidal fracturing. Found predominantly in fold belts such as Pennsylvania, USA, South Wales, and eastern China.
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