Mineral Matter and Trace Elements in Coal

Abstract

The term, "mineral matter in coal," refers to mineral phases or species present in coal and also to all chemical elements in coal that are generally considered to be inorganic. Most mineral matter occurs in coal as silicates, sulfides, and carbonates. Four coals, separated into series of specific gravity fractions, have been analyzed. The trace elements, germanium, beryllium, and boron, have the greatest organic affinities, whereas Hg, Zr, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Mn, and Mo are generally inorganically combined in the coal. Each of the other trace elements determined apparently occurs in both organic and inorganic combination. P, Ga, Sb, Ti, and V are more closely associated with the elements having strong organic affinities while Co, Ni, Se, Cr, and Cu are more closely associated with the elements having strong inorganic affinities.