Tungsten metal, also known as wolfram, is a silver-gray metallic element with the symbol W and atomic number 74. It is a dense and hard metal, characterized by its high melting point, high boiling point, and excellent tensile strength and toughness.

 

Chemically, tungsten is a transition metal and is known for its ability to form a wide variety of chemical compounds. It has a relatively low abundance in the Earth's crust, but it is widely distributed in deposits of minerals such as wolframite and scheelite.

 

The unique combination of tungsten's chemical and mechanical properties make it suitable for a wide variety of applications. Its high melting point makes it ideal for use in high-temperature applications, including industrial heating and lighting systems, rocket and missile parts, and electrical contacts.

 

Tungsten is also commonly used in manufacturing heavy alloys, such as tungsten carbide, which is used in cutting tools, machine parts, and armor-piercing ammunition. Tungsten alloys are also used as weights in various industrial and medical applications, including radiation shields, gyroscopes, and balancing weights.

 

Furthermore, tungsten is widely used in the electronics industry due to its excellent electrical conductivity and reliability. It is often used in electrical contacts, filaments for incandescent light bulbs, and as a component in semiconductors.

 

In terms of supply, tungsten is generally sourced from countries such as China, Russia, Canada, and Australia. These countries have significant reserves and play a major role in the global tungsten market.

 

Overall, tungsten metal is an important and versatile material with many valuable properties. As technology and industry continue to advance, its use is likely to grow even further.