Grey Cast Iron
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Lapilen&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="User:Lapilen (page does not exist)">Елена Л.</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameGrey Cast Iron
Chemical FormulaFe-C alloy
Mohs Hardness4
Lustermetallic
Streak Colordark grey
CleavageN/A
Fractureuneven/hackly
Specific Gravity7.2
Colorsdark grey, black
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityN/A
Mineral GroupMan-made alloy
Usesindustrial components, machinery parts, automotive industry, construction
Associated MineralsN/A
Raritycommon
Description
A microscopic image (100x magnification) revealing the microstructure of grey cast iron, characterized by dark, elongated lamellar graphite flakes uniformly distributed within a lighter metallic matrix.
Geological Context
Grey cast iron is a ferrous alloy produced through industrial metallurgical processes, not naturally occurring geological formation. It is formed by melting iron ore, coke, and limestone, then casting the molten metal into desired shapes, with its microstructure determined by cooling rates and composition.
