There are three types of coal: Anthracite, bituminous, and lignite.

Anthracite is also known as hard coal contains the maximum amount of carbon (86%-97%). Its texture is brittle and lustrous. Bituminous coal is also called soft coal because it has lower carbon content than anthracite (45%-86%).  Lignite is also known as brown coal. It is lighter in color and has the lowest carbon content (25%-35%).