THE MICROSCOPY OF ANTHRACITE COAL 



2>T-3 



Almost all the specimens studied show remarkably smooth and 

 regular vertical joints at right angles to the bedding planes. Some 

 of the less distinctly laminated varieties possess, in addition to the 

 regular vertical joints, bright slickensided surfaces at low angles 

 to the bedding. Those varieties which show distinct lamination 

 can be cleaved easily parallel 

 to the bedding while the more 

 massive types possess almost no 

 cleavage. 



Aside from the more splen- 

 dent luster, anthracite is shown, 

 from the above description, to 

 possess all the essential mega- 

 scopic characteristics of bitumi- 

 nous coal; in addition it shows 

 the same types of organisms 

 under the microscope; and 

 further, these organisms are ap- 

 parently no more distorted than 

 those of the bituminous coal. 



The authors expect to make 

 a detailed study of some of the 



Fig. II. — Section (X125) crosswise to 

 the bedding of coal representing the Forge 

 split of the Mammoth from Nanticoke, 

 Pennsylvania. Shows cells of xylem or 

 phloem of a vascular bimdle. This is a 

 section through a dull knot. Some of the 

 cells are partly filled with small grains of 

 pyrite which do not show in the photo- 

 graph. The black centers are dull car- 

 bonaceous material. 



best-known anthracite seams of 

 Pennsylvania. It is hoped that this study will lead to a better 

 knowledge of the factors involved in the origin of anthracite. 

 From the observations thus far made, it seems highly probable, also, 

 that the various beds can be correlated through the identification of 

 dominant plant types and through other microscopic character- 

 istics, although this will obviously involve a great deal of study 

 and observation both in the laboratory and in the field. 



The writers wish to thank Mr. John H. Stoll and Mr. R. H. 

 Christ, of the Bethlehem Steel Company, the ofiicials of the Susque- 

 hanna Collieries Company, Professor H. B. Pulsifer, of the metal- 

 lurgy department of Lehigh University, Doctor B. L. Miller, of 

 the geology department of Lehigh University, David White, of 

 the United States Geological Survey, for their kindly co-operation. 



