The abundances of 36 elements in the ashes of 29 column samples representing 15 different West Virginia coals indicate several systematic relations between the geologic age of these coals and the abundance of certain elements within their ashes. Li, Si, Al, Be, Bi, Co, Cu, La, Ni, Ph, Sn, and Va show a definite increase in abundance with increasing geologic age; Bo and Fe show a definite decrease in abundance with increasing geologic age.

In addition to the systematic relations, some local variations are evident, such as high concentrations of boron in ashes of Monongahela coals and high concentrations of tungsten in coal ashes from the Allegeheny through Monongahela Groups. This information opens speculation as to the geologic factors responsible for these relations and may be significant in coal utilization.

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