In metallurgy, ( ) refers to a specific non-magnetic state of iron that occurs when alpha iron ( ) is heated above its Curie temperature (
, it undergoes a true allotropic transformation into Austenite ( ), which has a Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) structure. beta iron
: Because it shares the BCC structure with alpha iron, it possesses similar mechanical properties, though it is slightly less dense due to thermal expansion at higher temperatures. Technical Comparison of Iron Phases Common Name Crystal Structure Magnetic State Temperature Range Alpha ( ) Ferromagnetic Beta ( ) Beta Iron BCC Paramagnetic Gamma ( ) Non-magnetic Delta ( ) Delta Ferrite Non-magnetic (PDF) The Beta Iron Controversy Revisited - ResearchGate In metallurgy, ( ) refers to a specific
). Historically considered a distinct allotrope, it is now primarily viewed as the high-temperature, paramagnetic form of ferrite. Key Features and Characteristics While it was once debated whether Historically considered a distinct allotrope, it is now
), heating iron past the Curie point does not change the physical arrangement of atoms, only their magnetic ordering. : It is stable between
: Most contemporary iron-carbon phase diagrams omit the "beta" label because it is not a crystallographically unique phase; the entire BCC region is typically just labeled as
is its lack of permanent magnetism. Above the Curie point, thermal agitation overcomes the alignment of magnetic moments found in ferromagnetic