Antrasiitistas

Antrasiitistas is a naturally occurring, hard, black, lustrous form of coal. It is the highest rank of coal and contains the highest percentage of carbon and the lowest percentage of impurities among all types of coal. Anthracite is formed from a process of coalification where organic matter, over millions of years, is subjected to intense heat and pressure. This process drives off water and volatile compounds, leaving behind a material that is almost pure carbon.

The combustion of anthracite is cleaner than that of lower-rank coals, producing less smoke and fewer pollutants due to its low sulfur content and high energy density. Historically, anthracite was a significant fuel source for heating homes and for industrial processes, particularly in regions where it was abundant, such as northeastern Pennsylvania in the United States. Its rarity compared to other coal types and the development of alternative energy sources have led to a decline in its widespread use.

Anthracite is characterized by its vitreous or glassy luster and its conchoidal fracture. It ignites with difficulty but burns with a short, blue flame, producing a substantial amount of heat. Its high density and hardness distinguish it from lignite and bituminous coal. The mining of anthracite, like other forms of coal, has environmental implications, including habitat disruption and potential water contamination.