Coal is a fossil substance.
A charcoal is a fossil substance resulting from the decomposition process of a woody material. This element, which is used as fuel , is a non-renewable resource : it cannot be regenerated or produced to sustain its consumption.
Before moving forward with the meaning of the term, it is important to know its etymological origin. In this case, we can establish that it comes from the Latin carbo , which is the black matter that remains as a result of burning wood.
Origin of coal
Composed of sulfur , nitrogen , hydrogen , oxygen and other elements, coal mainly arose in the so-called Carboniferous Period , which ended about 300 million years ago. The geological process that converted plant-type organic substances into charcoal is called carbonization .
The development of charcoal begins with the accumulation of plants in shallow marine or swampy regions. The remains of these plants settle to the bottom and, when covered by water, are protected from the air. Over time , anaerobic bacteria transform the substances, which begin to become enriched in carbon and covered in clay and sand.
When used as fuel, coal can be used to produce electrical energy . Coal is also used in the steel industry and in cement production, for example.
Coal is used as fuel.
Different types
Charcoal is known as the dark-colored, solid, and combustible material that arises from the incomplete combustion or distillation of plant and wood residues. It is a substance with a high percentage of carbon.
In the same way, we cannot ignore that there is also what is called activated carbon or active carbon . It is a highly crystalline and porous material that is used both to purify drinking water and to purify glycerin and to shape gas masks.
The process to obtain this material is carried out using materials such as coconut shells, palm trees, nuts or wood. These are then subjected to two types of procedures such as thermal activation and chemical activation.
Animal charcoal , for its part, is obtained from a process similar to that of charcoal, but from animal bones. In this case, the carbon percentage is lower. Animal charcoal is used as a bleach.
sweet coal
In the same way, within the field of gastronomy and more specifically baking, there is what is known as sweet charcoal . It is a very typical preparation for the Christmas holidays in Spain : it is considered to be the present that the Three Wise Men leave, instead of nice gifts, to children who have not behaved well during the year.
Visually, it resembles mineral coal because it is black in color, has a hard consistency, and has a rocky appearance. It is very rich in sugar and is obtained from it and water.