Hard, lustrous coal containing a high percentage of fixed carbon and low percentage of volatile matter: Anthracite is generally formed by dynamic metamorphism, but it may be produced by contact metamorphism induced by igneous intrusion.

Anthracite is a hard, dense, shiny variety of coal, containing over 90 percent carbon and a low percentage of ash and impurities, which causes it to burn without flame, smoke, or odor.

Because of its purity, anthracite gives off relatively little sulfur dioxide when burned.