No metal can withstand more heat. Tungsten melts only at 3422 °C — hotter than the surface of some stars. That is why it was chosen for light bulb filaments: a thin tungsten coil glows white-hot yet refuses to melt. Edison tested thousands of materials before settling on tungsten.
But light bulbs are just the beginning. Tungsten carbide cuts steel like butter. Armor-piercing rounds punch through tank plating thanks to its staggering density. Welders rely on tungsten electrodes every day. This metal is the unsung hero of modern industry.
Tungsten is a Group 6 transition metal with atomic number 74. Its name comes from the Swedish "tung sten" meaning "heavy stone," while the chemical symbol W derives from the German "Wolfram." The metal stands out for its record-breaking melting point, extraordinary density (19.25 g/cm³), and the exceptional hardness of its compounds. It was discovered in 1783 by the Elhuyar brothers in Spain through the reduction of tungstic acid.
Metallic tungsten has low toxicity and is safe under normal contact. However, tungsten dust and tungsten carbide dust irritate the respiratory tract and eyes. Prolonged inhalation of fine particles can cause pulmonary fibrosis. Soluble tungsten salts are harmful if swallowed. Working with tungsten at high temperatures requires ventilation and respiratory protection.
Tungsten melts at 3422 °C — higher than the surface temperature of many stars. Melting it requires an electric arc or an electron beam.
Edison tested over 6,000 materials for light bulb filaments. Tungsten won — and dominated lighting for over a century until the LED era.
Tungsten carbide (WC) is second only to diamond in hardness. Drill bits made from it cut through hardened steel and stay sharp for years.
Tungsten is so dense (19.25 g/cm³) that a small 10 cm cube weighs nearly 20 kg — about as much as a carry-on suitcase.
The symbol W comes from the German "Wolfram" — meaning "wolf's froth." Medieval smelters said the mineral devoured tin during smelting, like a wolf devouring a sheep.
Armor-piercing tungsten rounds are 1.7 times heavier than lead ones. They punch through tank armor thanks to their colossal kinetic energy.
| Isotope | Mass (u) | Abundance | Half-life | Decay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
180W☢ | 179.946704 | 0.12% | 1.8×10¹⁸ years | α |
182W | 181.948204 | 26.50% | stable | — |
183W | 182.950223 | 14.31% | stable | — |
184W | 183.950931 | 30.64% | stable | — |
186W | 185.954364 | 28.43% | stable | — |
Reduction of tungstic acid