ANTHRACITE COAL
Anthracite coal is the highest-rank coal. It forms by very low-
to low-grade metamorphism of bituminous coal. Anthracite is always
black-colored, with a glassy texture, and is harder & heavier than the
other coals (although it is still relatively soft & lightweight). Unlike lignite and bituminous coal,
anthracite is not sooty to the touch. Anthracite burns hotter than other
coal types, due to its high carbon content (about 90% C). It also is the
cleanest-burning of all the coals.
Anthracite is the rarest variety of coal. The highest concentration of this rock
is in Pennsylvanian-aged anthracite coal fields in eastern Pennsylvania, USA.
Anthracite coal (3.9 cm across)