pearlite

English

Etymology

From pearl +‎ -ite.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈpɜːlaɪt/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈpɝlaɪt/
• Homophone: perlite

Noun

pearlite (countable and uncountable, plural pearlites)

1. A two-phased lamellar structure composed of alternating layers of alpha ferrite and cementite that occurs in some steels and cast irons, having a pearlescent appearance.
2. (mineralogy) Alternative form of perlite
   • 1835, British Association for the Advancement of Science, (Please provide the book title or journal name):

     […] inclosing great masses of pearlite and felspar.

See also

• perlite

Further reading

• Pearlite in the Mindat Mineralogy Database