Coal is usually thought of as a single black powdery rock type material which is used as a fuel to light fires and other appliances- however, unknown to many, there are actually a few different types of coals. Each has their own uses and benefits and here at Quality Coal, we’re going to give you the lowdown one each one…

Peat is the layer of vegetation material directly underneath the growing zone of coal formation. This material shows evidence of very little alterations and actually contains the roots of living plants. Peat is utilised as a domestic fuel in rural areas of Scotland and Ireland.

Lignite is quite young in age at roughly 40,000 years old. Its texture is soft, fibrous and brown in colour. Lignite also contains around 70% moisture which means that it has a low energy content compared to other coals.

Black Coal varies quite extensively. In Australia, the ages of this coal ranges from the Cretaceous age, which is roughly 65 to 105 million years ago to the mid Permian age, which is up to 260 million years ago. They are all black in colour- however some are sooty whilst some have a high moisture content. In fact, coals which tend to be deeply buried by other material and rock loose more moisture, making them harder and shiner rocks known as bituminous coal.

Anthracite is a hard, black, shiny coal form which contains pretty much no moisture. It also has a very low volatile content and because of these factors coupled together, it burns with little or no smoke, meaning it is marketed as a smokeless fuel.

Here at Pearson Fuels, we are the leading coal merchants for all your coal related needs. What’s better than knowing which type of coal you should be buying for you home? If you’re still confused, get in contact today!