Tungsten

Tungsten (also called wolfram) is a chemical element; it has symbol W and atomic number 74. Tungsten is a rare metal found naturally on Earth almost exclusively as compounds with other elements. It was identified as a new element in 1781 and first isolated as a metal in 1783.

Current uses are as electrodes, heating elements and field emitters, and as filaments in light bulbs and cathode ray tubes. Tungsten is commonly used in heavy metal alloys such as high speed steel, from which cutting tools are manufactured. It is also used in the so-called 'superalloys' to form wear-resistant coatings.

Hydrogen

Identity.

It has the symbol W, its atomic number is 74, and its atomic weight is 183.85. The name is derived from the Swedish tung sten, meaning “heavy stone.” Tungsten is also known as wolfram, from WOLFRAMITE, the mineral from which the element was first recognized by the English chemist Peter Woulfe in 1779.

History.

Tungsten, known for its remarkable strength and high melting point, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. While earlier discoveries hinted at its existence, it was in 1783 that Spanish brothers Juan José and Fausto Elhuyar successfully isolated the element from the mineral wolframite. Their achievement marked a significant advancement in chemistry, paving the way for the exploration of tungsten's unique properties and its numerous applications.

Following its discovery, scientists and engineers began to unlock the potential of tungsten. Its exceptional durability and heat resistance made it ideal for various industrial applications, including the development of stronger steel alloys, incandescent light bulb filaments, and cutting tools. Today, tungsten continues to play a crucial role in diverse fields, from construction and machinery to aerospace and electronics.

Paracelsus

Usage.

  • High melting point: The highest of any metal, making it suitable for extreme heat environments.
  • Cutting tools: Tungsten carbide, a compound of tungsten and carbon, is exceptionally hard and wear-resistant, making it ideal for cutting tools like drill bits and saw blades.
  • Electrodes: Used in arc welding and other high-temperature processes due to their ability to withstand extreme heat and electrical currents.
Some of the benefits of using tungsten are:
  • Tungsten is added to steel to enhance its strength, toughness, and heat resistance, used in tools, machinery, and construction materials.
  • Tungsten carbide, a compound of tungsten and carbon, is exceptionally hard and wear-resistant, making it ideal for cutting tools like drill bits and saw blades.
  • Tungsten electrodes are used in arc welding and other high-temperature processes due to their ability to withstand extreme heat and electrical currents.

Sources.

Sources. It is chiefly obtained from the minerals scheelite and wolframite. Ferberite and huebnerite are other tungsten-bearing minerals. Tungsten is mined in Tungsten is mined in China (top producer), Vietnam, Russia, Bolivia and Rwanda.