After how many layers/folds will you no longer see patterns with the naked eye?

[St33L]

Assuming that there are 2 contrasting color billets, after how many folds will there cease to be any discernible boundary between patterns, and only "blended" colors develop? By boundaries, I mean the abrupt color change seen on typical damascus pattern welds, as opposed to a blending of colors which are more evident in, say, a pearl.

I saw an article on the 'net about how 1 million layers will still yield an intricate pattern. So, will 1 billion+ layers (29 folds from 2 billets) cause a more blended pattern?

Here's a picture example of what I mean by a blending of colors - various colors are visible on the pearl's surface, but they're blended together, and a lot of it has to do with light refraction, but the point is simply an example of what I mean by blended colors.

 

[marcinek]

One billion, five hundred twenty-four million, one hundred eighty seven thousand, six hundred and twenty four layers will do it. Proven by science.

 

[19-3ben]

One billion, five hundred twenty-four million, one hundred eighty seven thousand, six hundred and twenty four layers will do it. Proven by science.

Fact. I saw the study done.

Then Lynn Thompson took that one billion, five hundred twenty-four million, one hundred eighty seven thousand, six hundred and twenty four layered knife, and stabbed it into a cow skull for $hits and giggles.

 

[St33L]

Wait, are you guys for real...?