Abstract: Coal-based graphite is formed from coal and carbonaceous shale in coal measures due to magma thermal and tectonic metamorphism, is an important part of the graphite mineral, is also emerging strategic resources. Because the understanding of the ore-forming mechanism of coal-based graphite is not clear, lacking of scientific definition of anthracite with coal-based graphite prospecting indicators caused serious waste. This paper summarizes the train of thought and method of dividing into anthracite and coal-based graphite. on the basis of Jilin Panshi, Hunan Lutang, southwest of Fujian Province some typical coal-based graphite/anthracite, analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of the related parameters of coal-based graphite, three parameters H/C, d₀₀₂, Raman spectroscopy were proposed as quantitative indicator of coal-based graphite and anthracite during exploration stage.