Metals & Alloys · common
Tungsten
Tungsten is an extremely dense gray metal used in rings, weights, tools, electrodes, cutting materials, and high-temperature applications.
Also known as: Wolfram, Tungsten carbide, Tungsten ring, W.
Tungsten properties at a glance
| Type | Metals & Alloys |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | W |
| Mohs hardness | 7.5 |
| Luster | metallic |
| Streak | Gray |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Ductile to uneven |
| Specific gravity | 19.25 |
| Transparency | opaque |
| Common colors | Dark gray, Steel gray, Silver-gray |
| Rarity | common |
Geology & background
Tungsten is refined from tungsten ores such as wolframite and scheelite, then sintered, alloyed, or machined into dense metal products.
Tungsten became important for light bulb filaments, cutting tools, high-temperature alloys, and dense industrial materials.
How to identify Tungsten
- Look for a dark gray to steel-gray metal.
- Tungsten is unusually heavy for its size.
- Polished tungsten rings often have a hard, mirror-like gray shine.
- Tungsten carbide can be very scratch resistant but not easily bent.
Full Tungsten identification guide: checklist, home tests and look-alikes →
Tungsten vs similar stones
Not sure it isn't something else? Side-by-side comparisons with the stones most often confused with Tungsten.
Where Tungsten is found
Tungsten is manufactured, refined, recycled, or traded worldwide; verify grade, purity, and origin from markings, documentation, or provenance when available.
How much is Tungsten worth?
| Entry-level specimen | $5 |
|---|---|
| Typical collector specimen | $60 |
| Premium specimen | $600+ |
Value depends mostly on the object, purity or alloy grade, weight, brand, condition, markings, and whether it is jewelry, hardware, a coin, a tool, or a raw material sample.
Common uses
- Rings
- Weights
- Cutting tools
- Electrodes
- High-temperature parts
Interesting facts
- Tungsten feels very heavy for its size.
- Tungsten carbide rings are hard and scratch resistant but can be brittle.
- The chemical symbol W comes from wolfram, an older name connected to tungsten ores.
Care & safety
Tungsten can scratch, dent, tarnish, corrode, or lose its surface finish depending on the alloy, coating, and use wear.
Check sharp edges. Manufactured metal objects can have sharp edges, burrs, broken points, or worn plating; handle damaged pieces carefully.
Tungsten FAQ
What is Tungsten?
Tungsten is an extremely dense gray metal used in rings, weights, tools, electrodes, cutting materials, and high-temperature applications.
How much is Tungsten worth?
Entry-level Tungsten specimens sell for around $5, a typical collector specimen for about $60, and premium pieces for $600 or more. Value depends mostly on the object, purity or alloy grade, weight, brand, condition, markings, and whether it is jewelry, hardware, a coin, a tool, or a raw material sample.
How hard is Tungsten?
Tungsten has a Mohs hardness of 7.5. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it.
What is Tungsten used for?
Tungsten is used for rings, weights, cutting tools, electrodes, and high-temperature parts.
