'anthracitiferous' originates from New Latin/Modern Latin, specifically formed from 'anthracite' + the Latin suffix '-ferous', where '-ferous' meant 'bearing' and 'anthracite' ultimately derives from French 'anthracite' (< Greek 'ánthrax' meaning 'coal').

'anthracitiferous' was coined in the pattern of Late 18th–19th century scientific English by combining the noun 'anthracite' (from French 'anthracite') with the Latin-derived suffix '-ferous' (meaning 'bearing'), producing a technical adjective meaning 'bearing anthracite'.

Initially it meant 'bearing or containing anthracite' in a literal, technical sense, and this meaning has largely remained unchanged in modern usage.