At least, several writers tell of coal in the vicinity of Havana, but the substance is probably only a particularly hard Asphaltum.
"Cuba, Old and New"
Albert Gardner Robinson
The great mistake in Fra Bartolommeo's system was the preparing his paintings like cartoons, and using Asphaltum or lamp-black for outlines and shadows; this in process of time destroys the super-colour, and gives a general blackness to the painting.
"Fra Bartolommeo"
Leader Scott (Re-Edited By Horace Shipp And Flora Kendrick)
Outside of this basin the square was paved with Asphaltum, and was as hard and smooth as a floor.
"Rollo in Paris"
Jacob Abbott