What is the difference between Black and Brown coal?

Both black and brown coals are ideal fuels, although people are more familiar with black coal. Black coal is considered more suitable as fuel, and unlike brown coal, black coal contains a lesser amount of water. Black coal generates more energy than the brown coals, and brown coal has only one-quarter of the heating value of black coal. Brown coal is called lignite, and black coal is called bituminous, and black coal also contains more carbon content.

In contrast to black coal, brown coal comes with high moisture. Nonextreme pressure and temperature are involved in the formation of brown coal; however, black coal is formed because of extreme temperatures and pressure. Black coals are used for making caking coals, and brown coals are used for the production of electricity and to create water gas.

Although both black and brown coal are two types of coal, it is a common sight to see people using both types of interchangeably. While both might be containing almost the same composition and also serve as fuel, there are some differences between them. Black coal is the most used type out of the two; it is mostly used as fuel because it contains a lesser amount of water. While brown coal, though it can be used as fuel contains a higher percentage of water compared to black coal.

Black coal produces more energy than brown coal, and that is why it is the most commonly used type of coal. What makes up the two types of coal is actually what determines their usefulness. Black coal is made up of a higher percentage of carbon, while the carbon content of brown coal is not as high as black coal. Since brown coals contain matter with high volatility, it turns to gas very quickly compared to black coals.

Coal can be either black or brown. Regardless of the color, they are both ideal fuels. Black coal is created out of more pressure and temperature. Brown coal is crearted with moderate pressure and temperature. Black coal contains less water than brown coal.

They also produce more energy, but brown coal only has one quarter of the heating value of black coal. Brown coal has a higher level of voltaile matter, while black coal has more carbon content. Brown coal has more moisture than black coals. Brown coals can also be more easily turned into gas and petroleum products than black coals.