As the oldest type of coal on the market, anthracite is one of the most popular options for residential burning despite its higher than average cost. After all, there are several characteristics that this variety of the fossil fuel is known for that just cannot be obtained by alternatives like bituminous coal. Read on as the team here at Pearson Fuels go over three distinct characteristics of anthracite…

What colour is anthracite?

It takes around 350 million years of continuous heat and pressure in order to form anthracite and this gives the fossil fuel its signature glossy black appearance. After all, anthracite has a carbon content of around 98% which developed as a result of the extensive coalification process it underwent; this removed a lot of moisture and left behind the hard and brittle rock we know and recognise today in its place.

Does anthracite produce smoke when it is burned?

Since anthracite has the highest carbon content of all of the different varieties of coal, it also has fewer volatile materials like sulphur, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide. In fact, the fossil fuel produces little to no smoke during combustion which makes it a naturally smokeless alternative to traditional bituminous coal and an eco-friendly option for homeowners who want to reduce the contribution they make to global warming.

Is anthracite an efficient fuel choice?

If there is one characteristic of anthracite that is over overlooked it is the efficiency of the fuel when it is burned. After all, anthracite burns hotter and longer than the popular alternative of bituminous coal thanks to its high carbon content which means that homeowners do not have to purchase as many briquettes as usual, allowing the client to save money.

Here at Pearson Fuels, we stock both bituminous coal and anthracite as part of our product range in order to ensure that our clients have access to the fuel that meets their burning requirements. After all, anthracite is a naturally smokeless coal which makes it popular with homeowners that live in Smoke Control Zones. To find out more information, get in contact with the best coal merchants on the market and speak to a member of the Pearson Fuels team today!