Cast iron
For cookware, see Cast-iron cookware. A cast-iron skillet Steels and other iron–carbon alloy phases Ferrite Austenite Cementite Graphite Martensite Microstructures Spheroidite Pearlite Bainite Ledeburite Tempered martensite Widmanstatten structures Classes Crucible steel Carbon steel Spring steel Alloy steel Maraging steel Stainless steel Weathering steel Tool steel Other iron-based materials Cast iron Gray iron White iron Ductile iron Malleable iron Wrought iron v t e Cast iron is a group of iron-carbon alloys with a carbon content greater than 2%. [1] Its usefulness derives from its relatively low melting temperature. The alloy constituents affect its colour when fractured: white cast iron has carbide impurities which allow cracks to pass straight through, grey cast iron has graphite flakes which deflect a passing crack and initiate countless new cracks as the material breaks, and ductile cast iron has sph