BGS Rock Classification Scheme
Anthracite - A type of coal. It is a member of the pure humic coal series. The members of the pure humic coal series can be ranked in order as peat (the unlithified form), lignite, bituminous-coal, and anthracite (the lithified forms) based on increasing carbon content and decreasing volatile content. Anthracite is a hard black coal with a semi-metallic lustre and semiconchoidal fracture. It ignites with difficulty and burns without smoke. British Geological Survey Research Report RR/99/03, section 6.1, table 16 and fig. 10.
| Code | ANTHRA |
|---|---|
| Description | Anthracite - A type of coal. It is a member of the pure humic coal series. The members of the pure humic coal series can be ranked in order as peat (the unlithified form), lignite, bituminous-coal, and anthracite (the lithified forms) based on increasing carbon content and decreasing volatile content. Anthracite is a hard black coal with a semi-metallic lustre and semiconchoidal fracture. It ignites with difficulty and burns without smoke. British Geological Survey Research Report RR/99/03, section 6.1, table 16 and fig. 10. |
| Qualifiers | No qualifiers currently exist. |
| Definition | Lithified heterogeneous black mixture of a wide range of plant debris, none discernable. >90% carbon, dry, ash-free. Volatiles <14%. Carbonised with semi-metallic lustre & semi-conchidal fracture. Ignition difficult, burns smoke-free. |
| Linked data | http://data.bgs.ac.uk/id/EarthMaterialClass/RockName/ANTHRA |
CAVEAT
"Thumbnail" definitions attached to some of the table entries are an interim attempt to provide simple short descriptions of the "unqualified" rock types presented within the BGS Rock Classification Scheme. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and consistency but minor contradictions or omissions might be present. The BGS welcomes any feedback pointing out such minor imperfections and/or providing constructive comment and suggestions for improvement of the definitions. In the first instance such feedback should be directed to Dr Tim McCormick.