'non-anthracite' originates from English, specifically combining the prefix 'non-' (from Latin 'non', meaning 'not') and the noun 'anthracite' (from French 'anthracite', ultimately from Greek 'ánthrax' meaning 'coal').

'anthracite' came into English from French 'anthracite,' which ultimately traces back to Greek 'ánthrax' meaning 'coal'; 'non-' as a productive English prefix (from Latin) was attached to form 'non-anthracite'.

Initially, 'anthracite' designated a specific hard, high-carbon coal; 'non-anthracite' has consistently meant 'not that specific type' and has retained that straightforward negative formation.