Types of Coal
The four main types (ranks) of coal, from lowest to highest quality (carbon content/energy), are lignite, subbituminous, bituminous, and anthracite, each formed under increasing heat and pressure from ancient plant matter. Lignite is the youngest, with high moisture and low carbon; bituminous is common for electricity and steel; while anthracite is the hardest, cleanest, and highest in carbon, used for industrial purposes like metal making. Other Related Classifications are: Peat: While not technically coal yet, peat is the precursor material formed from decayed vegetation in swampy environments. Steam Coal vs. Metallurgical Coal: Coal is also categorized by its end-use. Thermal (steam) coal is burned to generate electricity, whereas metallurgical (coking) coal is used in iron and steel manufacturing. Graphite: Considered the ultimate stage of coal maturation, it is nearly pure carbon but very difficult to ignite,and not used as a fuel.
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