Metallography is the study of the microstructure of all types of metallic alloys. Using specialist techniques, scientists and engineers can observe and determine the chemical and atomic structure and spatial distribution of the constituents, grains, phases, or inclusions in metallic alloys.

So, is this a useful skill to understand more about? Of course. Companies need microscopy analysis to protect their products, especially if they are patented. They also need it to investigate why things fail if integrity and quality are sub-par.