This is a consequence of the shorter distances over which atoms of different elements have to diffuse in order to form a uniform liquid phase.

When this happens, the carbon atoms are said to be in solution, or mixed with the iron, forming a single, homogeneous, crystalline phase called austenite.

So a tank of nitrogen gas at room temperature will never form a liquid phase.

However, lead is only slightly soluble in copper and forms a separate metallic phase in the alloy.

Although chemically different, they are sterically similar (isosteric) and are still able to form a racemic crystalline phase.

These spheres may also be connected to one another, forming a bicontinuous cubic phase.

Siekierski and Burgess contend or presume that astatine would be a metal if it could form a condensed phase.

If this is the case then it is more efficient for the system to form a separating phase (3).

Homogeneous means that the components of the mixture form a single phase.

This means that the two liquids are generally soluble with each other, forming a homogeneous phase, and independent of the amounts of either component.