What color is steel at its ignition temperature?

At its ignition temperature, steel emits a bright red color. When steel is heated to high temperatures, it begins to glow due to the incandescence of the material. The temperature at which steel ignites can reach around 1,500°F (815°C) depending on various factors, including its composition and surface conditions. At this stage, the visible spectrum produced is predominantly red.

This phenomenon is a key aspect of metallurgical processes, particularly in welding and metalworking, where understanding the color changes of heated metals is crucial for safe handling and processing. Different temperatures correspond to specific colors: for instance, as the temperature continues to rise beyond the ignition point, steel would transition from red to orange and eventually to yellow and white, but the ignition stage is typically noted for its distinct red glow.