MICROSCOPIC FEATURES OF THE PHALEN SEAM, SYDNEY COAL FIELD, N.S.

Abstract

The microscopic and chemical nature of the anthraxylon, attritus and fusain of the Phalen coal were studied. The attritus is composed of humain (humic degradation matter), opaque matter, resins, waxes, cuticles and spores. Pyrite and other mineral matter also were detected. The microstructural features of the coals of the Phalen seam are so distinctive that they can be divided into three groups. Coal of Group 1 is characterized by a high spore, low resin, and low pyrite content, and was formed under open-water conditions which existed in the central part of the swamp. Group 3 coal has a low spore, high resin, and high pyrite content, and originated under conditions which prevailed near the shore line of the original swamp. Group 2 is a transition stage between Groups 1 and 3. The microstructure of the coal indicates that future mining possibilities are most favorable in the vicinity of the Bridgeport anticline.The sulphur in the Phalen seam is due mainly to pyrite and is irregularly distributed throughout the seam. The pyrite was probably formed from iron- and sulphur-bearing solutions which entered the swamp in the vicinity of Cape Percy. The iron and sulphur were precipitated by the organic products of decay, producing a disseminated pyrite in the coal.Nine types of megaspores and eleven types of microspores were determined on the basis of their morphological appearance. Correlation by means of these spores was not possible, however, owing to the variability in the spore content and the lack of any persistent distinctive spore.