This differs from other coals because of its extremely high content of carbon with a correspondingly low proportion of volatile matter. It is normally an unbanded type of coal.

TEXTURE More glassy and cleaner to handle than bituminous coal, anthracite ignites at much higher temperatures compared to other coals.

ORIGIN Forms by accumulation of peat. It is suggested that the increase of pressure and especially heat has caused volatiles to be driven off, forming a higher grade of coal.

Grain size: Medium, Fine

Classification: Organic

Fossils: Plants

Grain shape: None