tungsten

Tungsten is a chemical element with the symbol W and atomic number 74. It is a dense, hard transition metal known for its very high melting point and strength. Among pure metals, tungsten has one of the highest melting points, about 3422 degrees Celsius, and a boiling point around 5555 degrees Celsius. It is typically described as dense, with a density of about 19.3 grams per cubic centimeter, and it exhibits good electrical conductivity.

Tungsten occurs in nature mainly in the minerals wolframite and scheelite. It is not found in large, native deposits; instead it is extracted from ore and refined through a series of chemical and metallurgical steps to produce metallic tungsten or tungsten compounds. Global production is concentrated in a few countries, with major producers including China and several others such as Russia, Canada, Bolivia, and Austria. Ore processing often yields tungsten metal in various forms, including powders and bars, and tungsten carbide alloys are commonly produced by carburizing tungsten with carbon.

Applications of tungsten draw on its extreme properties. Tungsten carbide, a compound of tungsten and carbon, is extraordinarily hard and wear resistant, making it invaluable for cutting tools, mining bits, and wear surfaces. Tungsten metal and alloys are used in high-temperature components, radiation shielding, ballast and counterweights, and electrical contacts. In electronics and lighting, tungsten has historical importance for filaments in incandescent lamps and continues to be used in certain specialized tubes and devices. The element is also used in research and industrial settings for various high-temperature and high-strength applications.

The name tungsten derives from the Swedish tung sten, meaning “heavy stone,” while the symbol W comes from the German Wolfram. The element was first isolated in the late 18th century by the Elhuyar brothers.