On the question of whether coal can be analysed to ascertain its
origin? - certainly different seams have different organic
constituents (macerals) and it has been possible to identify seams
according to the relative proportions of different plant spores
present. However, this would depend on being able to obtain a
representative sample both from the coal in question and the seams it
may have been mined from. Plus you would need to find someone with
the skill to do it. So the answer to the question is- yes in theory,
but difficult in practice.
Barry.
Barry Job.
Eur. Ing. Dr. Barry Job,
Department of Geology,
School of Sciences,
Staffordshire University,
College Road,
Stoke-on-Trent,
ST4 2DE.
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