Abstract
Scanning electron micrography of unpolished lithotype of coal samples from coalfields of Meghalaya shows a wide variation in distribution of mineral matter in them. It is abundant in moderately dull coal, less abundant in moderately bright coal, and rare to very rare in bright coals. Its order of abundance in individual lithotypes may be put as: ‘moderately dull coal’ > ‘moderately bright coal’ > ‘bright coal’. There exists a specific micro-structural relation between mineral matter and the coaly substance. In the moderately dull coal, mineral matter occurs as superficial impregnation and cavity filling; in moderately bright coal as superficial impregnation, cavity filling, and intimate intergrowth; and in bright coals as superficial mounting and pore fillings.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author (AKS) is thankful to the Director, RGIPT, Rae Bareli, U.P. for his support and encouragement and wishes to thank Dr. D. Bhattacharya (Chief, R & D and S S, Tata Steels Ltd) for his help. MPS and PKS are thankful to the Department of Geology, BHU for providing the facilities. The help received from the local people around the coalfield in Meghalaya is thankfully acknowledged.