A hard and brittleĀ compoundĀ formed by the reaction ofĀ ironĀ withĀ carbon, having the formula Fe3C.
A major constituent ofĀ pearlite, it is also known asĀ iron carbide.
Cementite was named after the early steel-making process of cementation, which increased the carbon content ofĀ ironĀ to make it into steel.