Pearlite

of the iron-carbon phase diagram (near the lower left).]]
Pearlite is a Two-phased , Lamellar Structure composed of alternating layers of
crystallites that do not participate in the eutectoid reaction and cannot transform into pearlite.

The appearance of pearlite under the microscope resembles Mother Of Pearl (also a lamellar structure), from which it takes its name.

A similar structure with lamellae much smaller than the wavelength of visible light lacks this pearlescent appearance. Called Bainite , it is prepared by more rapid cooling. Unlike pearlite, whose formation involves the diffusion of all atoms, bainite grows by a displacive transformation mechanism.

REFERENCE

Comprehensive information on pearlite
# Thorough discussion of pearlite formation.

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Pearlite