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Tungsten
dates back to the 17th
century when miners in the Erz Mountains of Saxony noticed a
reduction in occurrence of cassiterite (tin mineral) occurring due to
certain other ores found and induced slagging. This annoying ore was
devouring tin like a wolf devours sheep and thus evolved the name
wolfrahm (meaning wolf froth).
Axel
Fredrik Cronstedt discovered an unusually heavy mineral in 1758, and
named it “tung-sten”. Being Swedish the word meant heavy stone.
He was sure that this mineral was new and hitherto undiscovered
element. A fellow Swede, Carl Wilhelm Scheele, a pharmacist and a
private tutor succeeded in isolating the oxide (tungsten trioxide) in
1781. Independent of Scheele, Tungsten was also isolated by Fausto
and Juan Jose de Elhuyar, the Elhuyar brothers in 1783. The Spanish
brothers found an acid in the substance that was called wolfarmite,
and succeeded in breaking it down to an elemental metal form with
charcoal in the same year.
Initially
known as wolfarmite, Tungsten derived its name from the Swedish
language - "tung",
meaning "heavy," and "sten",
meaning "stone". Denoted as “W” in the periodic table
and numbered 74, Tungsten has been bestowed this name for its high
density extreme strength. Tungsten, as a matter of fact melts at
34100
C, the highest amongst metals.
Tungsten
deposits occur in the earth’s crust in the form of magmatic or
hydrothermal compounds along with other elements. Due to
differential crystallization that occurs during the cooling of magma,
scheelite and wolframite (the most found tungsten compounds) are
mostly found in veins where magma penetrates the cracks in the
earth's crust. This is the reason why most Tungsten deposits are
found in the younger mountain belts, i.e. the Himalayas, Alps and
circum-Pacific belt.
However,
the discovery of this wonderful metal remained unattended to for more
than 50 years until Robert Oxland patented the manufacturing process
for tungsten, sodium tungstate and tungstic acid in 1847. 1857 saw
Robert Oxland patenting tungsten steel. Tungsten is widely used today
as a filament in the traditional electric bulb. This technology of
drawing wire fro tungsten metal was patented by William David
Coolidge in 1908.
Tungsten
when combined with carbon enhances its own properties of strength and
luster and is thus most suited for durable jewelry. In comparison to
platinum and gold that are extremely soft and scratch very easily,
Tungsten carbide is extremely environment friendly and thus the
jewelry crafted form it is suited to all kinds of environments. As a
matter of fact, Tungsten carbide can be scratched only by a diamond,
not by steel or any other metal. Moreover the luster lasts a life
time, thus making it ideal jewelry that can be worn at all times.
With
twice the atomic weight of silver, Tungsten carbide jewelry is very
elegant and stylish to use. With its rugged looks and masculine
appeal, Tungsten carbide jewelry is most suited to men in the form of
Tungsten rings, Tungsten wedding rings and Tungsten bracelets.
Added
value to Tungsten is that, it if hypoallergenic, which makes it
suitable to wear for all skin types. People with sensitive skin or
allergic reactions need not think twice about wearing Tungsten
carbide jewelry.
With
all its qualities, Tungsten carbide jewelry is very difficult and
technically amazing to cast and make. However, with recent technical
advancements and precision engineering, Tungsten carbide jewelry
industry has evolved to its prime and growing by the day.
Tungsten
carbide jewelry also carries an exotic value that makes it unique.
Almost everyone that you know owns gold, silver and platinum. Being
different with an elegant appeal is only possible from using Tungsten
carbide jewelry.
Moreover,
Tungsten carbide jewelry lasts a lifetime with the same luster,
quality and looks new even after a decade. The pricing is a distinct
advantage compared to other traditional metals used for jewelry
making.
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