We are currently applying density gradient centrifugation (DCG) techniques to the separation of the maceral constituents of coal. The DGC technique has several advantages over the often used sink‐float method. DGC permits rapid separation of 2‐3 g of coal into the component maceral groups and provides a visual means for observing the maceral content and densities of the maceral species. Prior to separating the macerals by DGC, the coal samples were ground to &angupr;3&mgr;m average particle size using a fluid energy mill and nitrogen carrier gas. Maceral separation was performed by layering a slurry of the coal on a 1.6 L density gradient of CsCl, whose high and low density (0.1‐1.5 g/cc) encompasses the densities of the macerals to be separated. After centrifuging, the density gradient was pumped into a fraction collector. The fractions were microscopically analyzed for maceral content. We have separated two bituminous coals containing substantial amounts of exinites and inertinites. Many of the fractions were over 90% pure with respect to a single maceral group. Examination of the separated fractions revealed that exinites and inertinites have broad ranges in density and in H/C ratios in a single coal; thus care should be taken to carefully define the density range of macerals in this group for any chemical or physical properties to be examined.