Question

What are the different types of coal? Which is of the finest quality?

Answer 1

Dear student,
There are four different types of coal which are:
1) Anthracite: It is a hard, brittle and black lustrous coal, also called hard coal which contains a high percentage of fixed carbon and a low percentage of volatile matter. It has 92-98% carbon content.
2) Bituminous : It is a middle rank coal between Anthracite and Subbituminous . It has high heating (btu) value and is most common type of coal used in the production of electricity in US. This type of coal appears shiny and smooth but it contains many layers. It contains 60-80% carbon content.
3) Subbituminous : This type of coa is black in colour and dull (not shiny) and has a higher heat value than lignite.
4) Lignite : It is also known as Brown coal and it is the lowest grade coal which has only 25-35% of carbon content.

- Anthracite coal is of finest quality as it contains maximum percentage of carbon content and low moisture content. It can also reach very high temperature when heated.

Regards