sedimentary
Coal (Bituminous / Anthracite)
Carbonaceous Sedimentary Rock (C)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 0.5-2.5 (Mohs scale), Color: Dull black to dark gray, Luster: Sub-metallic to dull, Structure: Amorphous/microcrystalline, Cleavage: Blocky to conchoidal fracture, Specific Gravity: 1.1-1.4
- Hardness
- 0
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Coal (Bituminous / Anthracite) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 0.5-2.5 (Mohs scale), Color: Dull black to dark gray, Luster: Sub-metallic to dull, Structure: Amorphous/microcrystalline, Cleavage: Blocky to conchoidal fracture, Specific Gravity: 1.1-1.4
Formation & geological history
Formed over millions of years from dead plant material submerged in swamp environments, subjected to heat and pressure deep underground during the Carboniferous period.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a fossil fuel for electricity generation, steel production (coking coal), and industrial chemical synthesis.
Geological facts
Coal accounts for about 37% of global electricity generation. It is composed mainly of carbon along with variable quantities of other elements, chiefly hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its lightweight nature relative to size, deep black or dark gray color, dull or vitreous luster, and ability to leave a dark streak. Commonly found in sedimentary coal basins globally.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary