Bitumens are used primarily for paving roads. They have also been used for waterproofing products such as roofing felt and boats. Some have used bitumen plates to dampen the noise produced by moving computer parts (such as hard drives) and dishwashers. With the recent rise in oil prices, it has become profitable to upgrade bitumen to synthetic crude oil. Naturally occurring bitumens have served well for the preservation of plant and animal fossils.Bituminous Coal or Black Coal is a relatively soft coal containing a tarlike substance called Bitumen. It is of higher quality than lignite coal but of poorer quality than anthracite. Formation is usually the result of high pressure being exerted on lignite. Its coloration can be black or sometimes dark brown. Often there are well-defined bands of bright and dull material within the seams.