How do lignite and anthracite differ in moisture content?

In general, the moisture content of coal increases as its rank decreases.1

• Lignite: As a low-rank coal, lignite has a high water content, which can reach as high as 75 percent in some varieties. This high moisture level is a significant factor in the difficulty of its utilization, as it reduces the coal's calorific value and makes it uneconomical to transport over long distances.21
• Anthracite: As the most highly metamorphosed and highest-rank form of coal, anthracite contains significantly less moisture than lower-rank coals.34

Across all coal ranks, moisture content generally ranges from 1 to 40 percent. Because moisture adds unnecessary weight during transportation and reduces the energy efficiency of the fuel, it is a critical property assessed when determining the quality and economic value of coal.15