Abstract: A separation apparatus for separating minerals or other particulate matter, including a housing, a particulate inlet, a fluid inlet and an outlet. The separation apparatus separates the minerals or other particulate matter, based on density. This is achieved by ingressing a fluid into the fluid inlet to create appropriate fluidization of the particulate matter within the housing. Low density material may typically be extracted from an upper end of the housing, whilst higher density material may be typically extracted from a lower end of the housing. The invention is particularly useful for separating minerals such as coal from impurities such as silica and pyrites.