When it comes to choosing the right material for your jewelry, particularly rings, you may have come across the terms tungsten and tungsten carbide. While they might sound similar, it’s essential to know the differences between the two.
Tungsten is a silvery-white, lustrous metal known for its impressive high-temperature resilience and strength, making it a popular choice for various applications. On the other hand, tungsten carbide is an alloy that combines tungsten and carbon elements, resulting in an incredibly hard and durable material. This durability makes tungsten carbide a top contender for jewelry, especially for rings that need to withstand everyday wear and tear.
We’ll dive into the characteristics of both tungsten and tungsten carbide, comparing their mechanical and physical properties, as well as their uses and applications in various industries. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of their differences and which one is used for jewelry.
What Is Tungsten?
Also known as Wolfram, this silvery-white lustrous metal, which is element 74 on the periodic table, has some unique properties that make it stand out among other elements:
- High melting point: Tungsten has the highest melting point of all metals at 3,422°C (6,192°F). Its remarkable heat resistance makes it ideal for use in many high-temperature applications.
- Durable and strong: Tungsten is incredibly strong and durable, with a hardness of 7.5 on the Mohs scale. This means it can withstand scratches and impacts better than most other metals. In fact, you’ll find it used in many industrial applications, from cutting tools to electrical contacts.
- Density: Tungsten has a high density, making it heavier than other metals. This property is often desired in certain applications, particularly when it comes to rings and other jewelry items.
When it comes to rings, tungsten is a popular choice for those looking for a durable, strong, and weighty material. However, it’s important to note that tungsten rings are not made of 100% tungsten, as the metal itself is too hard to work with. Instead, they’re typically crafted from tungsten carbide, which is a compound of tungsten and carbon. This combination provides similar properties to tungsten itself, but with improved workability for creating beautiful and long-lasting rings. So, when shopping for a tungsten ring, you’re essentially looking for a tungsten carbide ring.
What Is Tungsten Carbide?
Tungsten carbide is a remarkable compound formed by combining tungsten and carbon. It’s created through a process where tungsten powder is heated with carbon and hydrogen at temperatures ranging from 1,400 to 1,600°C (2,550 to 2,900°F). This unique alloy is 2-3 times as rigid as steel and exhibits compressive strength that surpasses all known melted, cast, and forged metals.
In its most basic form, you’ll find tungsten carbide as a fine gray powder. However, when pressed and formed into different shapes through sintering, it becomes an invaluable material used in various industries. Some common applications include industrial machinery, cutting tools, chisels, abrasives, armor-piercing shells, and even jewelry.
You might be wondering what sets tungsten carbide apart from other materials, such as steel. Tungsten carbide is a ceramic material, unlike steel, which is a metal. One of the key differences between the two lies in their chemistries. The result is a low-friction, highly wear-resistant material with greater cut duration and optimal finish quality.
In the case of rings, you’ll notice that tungsten carbide is preferred over tungsten alone. This is due to the enhanced properties of tungsten carbide, including its increased durability, strength, and high melting point. Tungsten carbide rings typically won’t scratch or show damage as easily as rings made of tungsten.
The unique composition of tungsten carbide often involves the use of cobalt as a binder to hold the carbide grains together. This combination creates an attractive and durable material that’s perfect for rings and other types of jewelry. With these properties in mind, you can appreciate why tungsten carbide is gaining popularity in various applications, especially in the world of jewelry.
Main Differences Between Tungsten And Tungsten Carbide
Tungsten is a pure element with the atomic number 74, while tungsten carbide is an alloy made by combining tungsten and carbon. The process involves heating tungsten powder with carbon and hydrogen at 1,400 – 1,600°C (2,550 – 2,900°F). This results in an alloy that is 2-3 times as rigid as steel and has a compressive strength surpassing most known metals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tungsten carbide rings more durable than plain tungsten?
Yes, tungsten carbide rings are more durable than plain tungsten rings. Tungsten carbide is known for its hardness and durability; it ranks at a 9 on the Mohs scale, while plain tungsten ranks at 7.5. Although tungsten is already a hard and durable material, tungsten carbide provides superior scratch and damage resistance due to its greater hardness.
How do tungsten carbide and tungsten weights compare?
Tungsten carbide is slightly heavier than plain tungsten. This is because the addition of carbon to tungsten increases the density of the material, making the alloy slightly heavier than the pure element. However, the difference in weight between the two materials is minimal, and both are considerably heavier than precious metals like gold or platinum.
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