Macrinite and funginite forms in Cretaceous Menefee Formation anthracite, Cerrillos coalfield, New Mexico

Inertinite macerals in the anthracite-rank Campanian Menefee Formation coal from the Cerrillos coalfield, Santa Fe County, New Mexico, show a range of forms consistent with forms found in lower-rank Mesozoic and younger coals. In particular, funginite is recognized in these anthracites, as is macrinite, and fusinite formed following microbial degradation. The macrinite in the Menefee coal has forms that are consistent with fungal and/or bacterial degradation of wood, followed by the ingestion of the latter material by insects or other animals, the regurgitation or excretion of the partially digested material, and the coprophagous recycling of the latter product. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.