Color metallography is the procedure of using various optical methods to examine the structure of a metal or alloy. It involves the use of optical methods such as polarized light and interference contrast microscopy of first order compensators to microscopically view metal surfaces.
Color metallography is useful in understanding the microscopic response of a metal to corrosion-inducing environments or substances. This information is used to determine the best means of corrosion remediation for a given metal. Color metallography is available for a wide range of metals and alloys.