Editing Bituminous coal (section)

{{Short description|Collective term for higher-quality coal}}
[[File:Coal bituminous.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Bituminous coal]]

'''Bituminous coal''', or '''black coal''', is a type of [[coal]] containing a [[tar]]-like substance called [[bitumen]] or asphalt. Its coloration can be black or sometimes dark brown; often there are well-defined bands of bright and dull material within the [[coal seam|seams]]. It is typically hard but [[friable]]. Its quality is [[Coal analysis#Coal classification by rank|ranked]] higher than [[lignite]] and [[sub-bituminous coal]], but lesser than [[anthracite]]. It is the most abundant rank of coal, with deposits found around the world, often in rocks of [[Carboniferous]] age. Bituminous coal is formed from sub-bituminous coal that is buried deeply enough to be heated to {{convert|85|C||sp=us}} or higher.

Bituminous coal is used primarily for [[electrical power generation]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coal |url=https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/coal |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=education.nationalgeographic.org |language=en}}</ref> and in the [[steel industry]]. Bituminous coal suitable for smelting iron (''coking coal'' or ''[[metallurgical coal]]'') must be low in [[sulfur]] and [[phosphorus]]. It commands a higher price than other grades of bituminous coal (thermal coal) used for heating and power generation.

Within the [[coal mining]] industry, this type of coal is known for releasing the largest amounts of [[firedamp]], a dangerous mixture of gases that can cause underground explosions. Extraction of bituminous coal demands the highest safety procedures involving attentive gas monitoring, good ventilation and vigilant site management.