sporinite

maceral

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

Sporinite is a type of maceral, which is a microscopically recognizable organic constituent of coal. Macerals are derived from plant remains and change as coal's rank increases.1

Sporinite specifically belongs to the liptinite group of macerals. Liptinites are characterized by a high hydrogen content and originate from the cuticles and resinous parts of plants. The prefix "spor-" relates to seeds or spores. Therefore, sporinite is derived from plant spores. Liptinite macerals, including sporinite, typically make up 5 to 15 percent of most coals.12

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coal
Macerals
Several varieties are recognized, including sporinite (spores are typically preserved as flattened spheroids), cutinite (part of cross sections of leaves, often with crenulated surfaces), and resinite (ovoid and sometimes translucent masses of resin). The liptinites may fluoresce (i.e., luminesce because of absorption of radiation) under ultraviolet
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Several varieties are recognized, including sporinite (spores are typically preserved as flattened spheroids), cutinite (part of cross sections of leaves, often with crenulated surfaces), and resinite (ovoid and sometimes translucent masses of resin). The liptinites may fluoresce (i.e., luminesce because of absorption of radiation) under ultraviolet
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