Macerals
Macerals are the microscopic organic constituents of coal and related carbonaceous materials like oil shale. They are analogous to minerals in inorganic rocks, representing the fundamental building blocks from which coal is formed. These components are derived from the original plant material that accumulated in peat swamps over geological time. Macerals are classified into three main groups based on their origin: vitrinite, liptinite, and inertinite.
Vitrinite group macerals are derived from the woody tissues of plants, such as stems, roots, and leaves.
The relative abundance and properties of these macerals significantly influence the physical and chemical characteristics of