No, coal is not referred to as 'black gold'.
While coal is black and serves as a common source of fuel, the term 'black gold' is specifically used for petroleum, not coal.
Understanding the Term 'Black Gold'
The phrase 'black gold' is an informal term used to highlight the significant commercial value of a particular resource, often one that is black in color.
Why Coal Isn't 'Black Gold'
According to the provided information:
- Color: Coal is indeed black.
- Fuel Source: Coal is a common source of fuel.
- Commercial Value: Coal has significant commercial value.
Despite these points, the reference explicitly states: "the term 'black gold' is not used for coal, it is used for petroleum."
Comparing Coal and Gold
It's important to note the fundamental differences between coal and actual gold, which reinforce why coal isn't metaphorically called 'black gold' in the same way petroleum is:
- Coal has no similar chemical or physical properties as gold.
- Coal is not a metal like gold.
The reference indicates that the term 'black gold' for petroleum is used simply due to its commercial value, combined with its black or dark color, drawing a parallel to the high value associated with actual gold. Coal shares the color and value aspects, but the specific term 'black gold' is conventionally applied to petroleum.
Key Differences in Terminology
Let's summarize the key points regarding the 'black gold' terminology:
| Feature | Coal | Petroleum | Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Black | Black/Dark | Yellow |
| State (Room Temp) | Solid | Liquid | Solid |
| Type | Sedimentary Rock | Fossil Fuel (Liquid) | Precious Metal |
| "Black Gold" Term | Not Used | Used | - |
| Value Parallel | High commercial value, but term not applied | High commercial value, term applied | High intrinsic value |
This table illustrates why, despite coal's importance, the specific epithet 'black gold' is reserved for petroleum based on common usage and the provided reference.
