tungsteeni

Tungsteeni is the Finnish name for the chemical element tungsten, which has the symbol W and atomic number 74. It is a hard, brittle, silvery-white metal that is a member of the transition metals group. Tungsten has the highest melting point of all pure elements, melting at 3422 degrees Celsius. This extreme heat resistance makes it invaluable in many high-temperature applications.

The name "tungsten" comes from the Swedish words "tung" (heavy) and "sten" (stone), referring to its high density. In Finnish, "tungsteeni" carries a similar connotation, emphasizing its significant weight. Tungsten is rarely found in its pure metallic form in nature; instead, it occurs in various minerals, primarily wolframite and scheelite.

The extraction and processing of tungsten are complex and energy-intensive. Despite these challenges, its unique properties have led to its widespread use. The most well-known application is in the filaments of incandescent light bulbs, though this use has declined with the advent of more energy-efficient lighting technologies. Tungsten is also used in cutting tools, drill bits, and other applications where hardness and wear resistance are crucial. Its high density also makes it useful in counterweights and as a shielding material against radiation. Furthermore, tungsten alloys are employed in industries ranging from aerospace to electronics.