Due to its density and particle shape, what material has filtration characteristics similar to activated carbon?

Activated carbon is known for its ability to adsorb pollutants due to its porous structure and large surface area. Among the materials listed, anthracite shares similar characteristics in terms of filtration. Anthracite is a type of coal that has a high carbon content and is known for its dense structure. Its granules create a significant surface area that allows for effective adsorption, which is crucial in filtration processes.

The physical structure of anthracite, with its angular shape and relatively high density, allows it to trap particles and facilitate the flow of water through filtration systems, making it a suitable alternative to activated carbon in certain applications. Its filtration effectiveness, particularly in water treatment processes, is attributed to these properties, which mirror those of activated carbon.

In contrast, silica gel, granite, and quartz do not offer the same level of adsorption capacity due to their different chemical compositions and physical structures. Silica gel is primarily used for moisture absorption rather than contaminant removal, while granite and quartz are more rigid materials with less effective filtration properties compared to activated carbon and anthracite. Thus, anthracite is the correct choice when considering materials with filtration characteristics similar to activated carbon.