Tungsten Info

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.