This paper presents the microscopic characterization of two types of fly ash belite cements and their hydration products by means of scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The cements were obtained from ASTM class C coal fly ash by the hydrothermal-calcination route in water (FABC-2-W) and NaOH 1M solution (FABC-2-N). The hydration was studied during a period of 180 days at 21 degrees C and >95% RH. The results showed significant incorporation of aluminum (Al) into the C-S-H gel and other minor elements, with a presumable composition close to that of aluminum-tobermorite. The C-S-H composition of the FABC-2-W is more stable over the hydration time than that of the FABC-2-N cement. Portlandite is scarcely formed during hydration.