inertinite
Quick Summary
Inertinite is a maceral group found in coal, making up 5 to 40 percent of most coals. Macerals are microscopic organic constituents of coal, analogous to minerals in inorganic rocks, but without a definite crystalline structure. Inertinites are characterized by having the highest reflectance values among the maceral groups in a given sample.12
The most common inertinite maceral is fusinite, which resembles charcoal and displays clear cell texture. These cells can be empty or filled with mineral matter, and their cell walls may have been crushed during compaction. Inertinites are believed to have formed from plant material that underwent severe degradation during the peat stage of coalification.12
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.
coalMaceralsThe inertinite group makes up 5 to 40 percent of most coals. Their reflectance values are usually the highest in a given sample. The most common inertinite maceral is fusinite, which has a charcoal-like appearance with obvious cell texture. The cells may be either empty or…
Read MoreThe inertinite group makes up 5 to 40 percent of most coals. Their reflectance values are usually the highest in a given sample. The most common inertinite maceral is fusinite, which has a charcoal-like appearance with obvious cell texture. The cells may be either empty or…
Read More
coal utilizationCoal type(3) Inertinite macerals, with high reflectance and carbon contents, are derived from fossil charcoal or decayed material.
Read More(3) Inertinite macerals, with high reflectance and carbon contents, are derived from fossil charcoal or decayed material.
Read More