Comprehensive multiphase visualization of steel slag and related research in cement: Detection technology and application

•Reliable qualitative and quantitative analysis methods for major, minor and trace components in steel slag were introduced.•The lithofacies analysis using optical/electron microscope to identify and observe the steel slag was discussed.•The common methods and auxiliary techniques for obtaining the chemical and mineral composition of steel slag were dissected.•Image processing based on lithofacies analysis and Rietveld refinement method based on XRD detection for multiphase quantification were campared.