It isn't really powder, it's kinda chunky...about like Woodland Scenics 'medium cinders' ballast. Pretty sure it's coal, silica doesn't come in a clear plastic bag !! Guess I can pop over to the Bachmann website and post the question there. BTW the "Bach-man" says they didn't offer it in other than coal version because the real loco they based it on was a coalburner.