# Coal > [!material-gem] Material Details > | | | > |---|---| > | **Aliases/Varieties** | Anthracite. Bituminous Coal. Lignite. | > | **Category** | Gemstone | > | **Color(s)** | Blacks, brownish, with submetallic luster | > | **Cost** | —— | > | **Environment/Habitat** | —— | > | **Profession(s)** | [[Alchemist]], [[Jewelcrafter]], [[Tinkerer]] | > | **Qualities** | - Alchemical<br>- Protective | > | **Rarity** | —— | > | **Size** | —— | > | **Weight** | —— | > [!material-gem] Specifications > | | | > |---|---| > | **Crystal System** | Hexagonal | > | **Formations** | Rock strata | > | **Formula** | C | > | **Hardness** | 1.0–4.0 (Mohs) | > | **Mineral Class** | Organic mineraloid (fossil) | > | **Primary Components** | carbon | > | **Refractive Index** | —— | --- ## Description A common, carbon-based sedimentary rock used primarily as fossil fuel. It finds multiple uses in an alchemist's workshop, in everburning fires, and during spelunking. ### Physical Description A combustible, black or brownish rock comprised of both minerals (carbon), and macerals: organic compounds of mostly fossilized plant matter. Depending on the heat and pressure during the coalification of the organic material, different grades of coal are achieved, such as the most prevalent bituminous coal or the most valuable anthracite. Quality coal has a higher carbon content and a stronger vitreous or submetallic sheen. --- ## Occurrence Coal beds are a common occurrence in sedimentary rocks in areas which used to be low-lying wetlands covered in dense forests. Amber and fossils are sometimes found inside coal beds. ### Extraction & Preparation Depending on the location, coal may be mined from the surface or via shafts. While reaching coal beds is not particularly complex, its extraction has one of the highest mortality rates. Bad work conditions in the mines lead to deadly pulmonary diseases among miners. Extensive mining operations cause damage to the surface and lead to sinkholes. Bituminous coal is also known to release large quantities or firedamp: a dangerous and volatile mixture of gases—particularly methane—leading to underground explosions. Coal dust is equally combustible; under no circumstances use open fire in a coal mine. Some underground coal fires have been known to burn for millennia. --- ## Properties ### Decorative Properties In general, coal has no ornamental use—with the exception of jet, a type of lignite. See its separate entry on p. 134. ### Industrial Properties The main use of coal is as a source of fuel. It has a high caloric potential; however, burning coal releases high amounts of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and heavy metals into the atmosphere, making it incredibly destructive from an environmental point of view. Due to a high burning temperature and stable flames, coal is still used for heating and in metallurgy, particularly in production of steel. ### Magical Properties Despite its many flaws, coal is still a mainstay of alchemical workshops. High quality pieces reach high temperatures with minimal production of ash and gases, and many alchemists consider this a solution good enough for their needs. Several alchemists are also experimenting with methods or transmuting coal directly into diamonds, by magically replicating the time and pressure necessary for the process—so far, none has declared any success. Coal is employed in mundane and magical ever-burning fires, particularly in open temples and other outdoor places of worship. Where wood is scarce, it is used for funeral pyres. During spelunking or dungeoneering, carry a piece of coal in your pocket. It attracts the benevolent chthonic spirits and creatures, known to alert travelers to underground dangers or lead them out to the surface when lost. This method is most successful in artificial caves, such as mine shafts or cut corridors; in natural caves, coal might attract the attention of hungrier, less helpful subterranean creatures.