What is the Difference Between Anthracite Coal and Bituminous Coal?

The main differences between anthracite coal and bituminous coal are their carbon content, characteristics, and uses. Here is a comparison of the two types of coal:

Anthracite Coal:

• Anthracite coal is a hard, brittle, and black lustrous coal, often referred to as hard coal.
• It contains a high percentage of fixed carbon (86%-97%) and a low percentage of volatile matter.
• Anthracite coal has a low carbon content (45%-86%) compared to anthracite.
• It is mainly used for heating buildings, making steel, filtering water, and as landscape mulch.
• Anthracite coal generates more heat per unit of weight and has a higher energy output than bituminous coal.
• It is less common and more expensive than bituminous coal.

Bituminous Coal:

• Bituminous coal is a middle rank coal between subbituminous and anthracite.
• It has a slightly lower carbon content than anthracite (45%-86%) and a higher percentage of volatile matter.
• Bituminous coal has a shiny luster and layered texture.
• It is mainly used for generating electricity and in the steel industry.
• Bituminous coal has a lower energy output compared to anthracite coal but is more readily available and cheaper.
• It can generate more pollutants than anthracite coal, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

In summary, anthracite coal has a higher carbon content, provides more energy, and is more expensive than bituminous coal. Bituminous coal, on the other hand, has a lower carbon content, provides less energy, and is more readily available at a lower cost. Both types of coal are used for different purposes, with anthracite coal often used for heating and steel production, while bituminous coal is primarily used for electricity generation and in the steel industry.

Comparative Table: Anthracite Coal vs Bituminous Coal

Here is a table comparing the differences between anthracite coal and bituminous coal:

Anthracite coal has a higher carbon content and lower sulfur content than bituminous coal, making it a more desirable fuel source. It is often referred to as "hard coal" due to its hardness, while bituminous coal is sometimes called "soft coal" because of its lower hardness. Anthracite coal has a higher energy density and is typically formed from biomass that was buried approximately 350 million years ago, while bituminous coal is younger, having formed from biomass buried around 300 million years ago.