In this month's blog post, we are going to be talking about the hardest coal of them all, anthracite coal. From how it's made to where you can buy it: coalhut.com will be covering everything you need to know about anthracite coal and why it should be your new go-to coal.
In a previous blog post "What is Lignite?" We covered the basics of coal: what it is and the differences between peat (the first stage of coal) and anthracite (it's final stage). We also created a table to show the different characteristics between each coal type: you can take a look at this table here: "The Different Characteristics of Coal".
What is anthracite coal?
Anthracite is the final stage of coal, meaning it’s the hardest and has the highest energy density of them all. Due to anthracite being the final stage of coal, it means that it has the lowest moisture content of around 4% and the highest carbon content of <90%. This results in a slow combustion process, giving off a significant heating value.
If you live in a smoke controlled zone, or you are trying to reduce your carbon footprint, then anthracite is the perfect coal because it gives off a smokeless clean flame with low content values of sulfur and volatiles.
Unsure if you are living in a smoke controlled zone? Read our blog to find out more: if you aren’t burning the correct type of coal, you could face a fine up to £1,000. “Smokeless Coal FAQs: Everything You Need To Know About Smoke Controlled Zones”
Where in the world does anthracite coal come from?
Anthracite accounts for about 1% of global coal reserves and is mined in only a few countries in the world. China accounts for the majority of global production, accounting for more than three-quarters of global output, but other producers include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia, Ukraine, North and South Korea, Vietnam and Australia.
Geologically, the largest and most concentrated deposit of anthracite in the world is found in the Lackawanna coal mine in northeastern Pennsylvania, USA. Locally known as ‘The Coal Region’ the deposit contains a staggering 480 square miles (1,200 km2) of coal-bearing rock!
In southwest Wales in the United Kingdom, anthracite has been burned as a domestic fuel since at least medieval times, when it was mined near a town called Sundersfoot. More recently, large scale mining of anthracite took place right across the western part of the South Wales Coalfield until the late 20th century. Mining continues in this part of the UK but now on a smaller scale.
What is anthracite coal used for?
Anthracite coal has a metallic-like skin to its black surface and is sometimes used as a decorative piece because of this. On the other hand, anthracite is more commonly used for heating purposes.
Anthracite is categorised into three grades: standard, high and ultra-high: depending on the grade of anthracite, will depend on what the coal is used for.
For example, out of the three grades, standard anthracite has the lowest carbon purity and is therefore really beneficial for power generation in specialised plants. The other two grades, high and ultra-high both contain a much higher level of carbon and are therefore perfect as an alternative to coke in metallurgy (metallurgy is the process that is used to extract metals in their purest form).
Anthracite coal is also commonly known for its use of heating residential homes and buildings. Due to the clean, smokeless and warm flame that is produced from anthracite coal, it makes it perfect for people’s stoves and gravity-fed boilers!
That being said, anthracite coal is becoming a scarce resource and isn’t readily available unlike other types of coal as it’s the fourth and final stage of the coal formation. This means when you order anthracite coal online you may notice that it’s more expensive than others- however, don’t let this put you off.
At coalhut.com we offer our customers the best prices on high-quality coal, including anthracite. We believe that no one should have to let their bank run dry to have a cosy home. Remember, because you are purchasing high-quality coal, it means, in the long run, you save money! (who doesn’t want to save a bit dough before summer holidays?)
Why should I use anthracite coal?
As we have mentioned above, anthracite coal has an endless amount of beneficial properties as to why it’s the best coal to use in your home. Here are few to remind you:
- Smokeless
- Produces low amounts of sulfur and volatile substances compared to other types of coal
- Highest ranking coal, this includes its heat output.
- Considered one of the safest coals to burn and maintain
The biggest benefit of anthracite coal within our current environmental state is the fact that it’s smokeless. By burning smokeless coal you are helping to reduce the number of harmful substances in the air which is produced by traditional coal.
Not only is smokeless coal more environmentally friendly but it’s more efficient than traditional coal: smokeless coal can burn up to 40% longer and emit up to a third more heat compared to traditional coal. What does this mean? Basically, when you buy our premium smokeless coal your fire will keep you warmer for longer and will have an impact on your spending: you will need to refuel your stove and restock on your coal less often which decreases the amount of money you spend on coal.
It’s a win-win situation! When you order online with coalhut.com, we guarantee that you will experience all the same benefits of a traditional fire when you use smokeless coal! It’s not just for those who are in smoke controlled zones!
Where can I buy anthracite coal?
At coalhut.com our mission is to supply you with top quality products and the best value for money delivered directly to your home. On our website, you’ll be able to see that we not only hold a large selection of anthracite coal but we also offer the best prices for such a high-quality product.
Here are some of the anthracite coal goods that we offer online at our store:
Anthracite Grains Smokeless Fuel 25kg
Our anthracite grains smokeless fuel is slightly smaller in size to the Anthracite Bean. They produce a low flame with a long burn time and a low compact residual ash- making clean up easy! The flame is a natural clean-burning one and is ideal for gravity-fed, hopper fed boilers and stoves.
Burnglo Anthracite Smokeless Fuel 25kg
Burnglo anthracite is a value for money, standard quality anthracite which is suitable for smoke control areas. It produces a low flame with a 3/5 heat output and a long burn time with a low compact residual ash. Our Burnglo Anthracite is perfect for closed appliances such as room heaters, glass-fronted stoves, cookers and boilers!
Here at coalhut.com, we have lots of other anthracite coals available to be delivered straight to your doorstep. Whether you are up in the highlands of Scotland or down by the sea in Plymouth! With a few clicks online we aim to deliver your goods within five working days.
ORDER ANTHRACITE COAL TODAY