fusinite
Quick Summary
Fusinite is a maceral, which is a microscopically recognizable organic constituent of coal, similar to minerals in inorganic rocks but lacking a crystalline structure. Fusinite is part of the inertinite group of macerals and is characterized by its opaque, carbonized cell structure, resembling charcoal. It is found in fusain, a component of coal that appears as silvery-black layers and crumbles into a fine powder. Fusinite is believed to have formed from plant material that underwent severe degradation, possibly due to forest fires or intense heat during the peat stage of coalification.1234
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
