mineral charcoal

noun

1. a fibrous substance resembling charcoal and having a high carbon content, often occurring in thin layers in bituminous coal.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mineral charcoal¹

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

And if, as I believe, it can be demonstrated that ordinary coal Is nothing but "saccular" coal which has undergone a certain amount of that alteration which, if continued, would convert it into anthracite; then, the conclusion is obvious, that the great mass of the coal we burn is the result of the accumulation of the spores and spore-cases of plants, other parts of which have furnished the carbonized stems and the mineral charcoal, or have left their impressions on the surfaces of the layer.

From Project Gutenberg

Fig. 140a.—Section of base of erect Sigillaria, containing remains of land animals. a, Mineral charcoal. b, Dark-coloured sandstone, with plants, bones, &c. c, Gray sandstone, with Calamites and Cordaites.

From Project Gutenberg

A shining substance like black-lead; a species of mineral charcoal.

From Project Gutenberg

The best bituminous coals seem to be most largely composed of these spore-cases; whilst inferior kinds possess a progressively increasing amount of the dull carbonaceous substance which is known as "mineral charcoal," and which is undoubtedly composed of "the stems and leaves of plants reduced to little more than their carbon."

From Project Gutenberg

Its roots represent the stigmaria underclay; its bark the compact coal; its woody axis, the mineral charcoal; its fallen leaves and fruits, with remains of herbaceous plants growing in its shade, mixed with a little earthy matter, the layers of coarse coal.

From Project Gutenberg