Tungsten, also known as Wolfram, is a type of metal ore whose ore occurs mainly in veins found in certain volcanogenic-type rocks. It is a hard, wear-resistant, and extremely ductile metal. Tungsten has the highest melting point of all the metals, making it useful for a range of industries.
In addition to its hardness and resilience, tungsten ore has several characteristics that make it useful for a wide range of industrial and technological applications. Tungsten has the highest melting point of any metal, at 6,175°F (3,420°C). It is also highly resistant to corrosion and has excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.
Tungsten ore is usually mined from deposits located in areas of volcanic activity, such as those in western China and eastern Russia. The ore is extracted by open-pit mining, and then the ore is concentrated via processes such as flotation, gravity separation, and roasting. After separation, the ore is then further processed into a high-quality powder or concentrate.
Tungsten ore is usually processed into tungsten compounds by either physical or chemical processing techniques. Physical processing techniques include sizing, crushing, milling, sintering, and smelting. During chemical processing, the ore is leached with acids or alkalis and then transformed into a concentrate, which is then further processed into tungsten compounds.
Tungsten compounds are used by a number of industries for a variety of applications, such as in advanced electronics, nuclear weapons, industrial catalysts, paint, and steel alloys. Tungsten alloys have excellent strength, high ductility, good wear resistance, and are often used in aerospace and automotive parts. Tungsten compounds are also used in the production of cemented carbide tools, machine tools, and cutting tools.
In addition to its use for industrial and technological applications, tungsten is also used for various decorative items, such as jewelry. Tungsten jewelry is very popular due to its weight, durability, and the fact that it does not tarnish like other metals.
Tungsten is a valuable resource and has many uses, but it is also dangerous to workers and the environment. Tungsten ore can contain traces of arsenic, a hazardous element. Consequently, workers must take safety precautions when handling tungsten ore. In addition, tungsten ore must be processed in an environmentally responsible manner in order to minimize the risk of contamination or pollution.
