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Pure Metal Tungsten
Tungsten is element W on the periodic table. It has an atomic weight of 183.84 and its atomic number is 74. It has the highest melting point of any metallic element. In its pure form, it is light gray or white and very brittle. It can be cut with a simple saw or formed into various shapes. Because of this, and its high melting point, tungsten is used in the filaments of a variety of light emitting products such as light bulbs and televisions. Pure metal tungsten is generally obtained from wolframite and scheelite, a mineral. The process by which tungsten is extracted from wolframite was pioneered by two Spanish chemists and mineralogists in 1783.
Tungsten Carbide
Tungsten carbide is what most tungsten rings are made of. It is incredibly durable but rather difficult to make. Tungsten carbide is a mixture of tungsten and carbon atoms within a structure formed by another metal, generally either cobalt or nickel. To form the metal tungsten powder, which is then mixed with the cobalt or nickel, you mix the carbon, tungsten and metal oxides and then heat until a bond is formed between the elements. After you mix the powder with the cobalt and add wax you mill the powder and then mold into the desired shape.
Tungsten-Steel Alloys
Tungsten-steel alloys are extremely hard and are made by combining tungsten and steel. They only require a small amount of tungsten compared to the amount of steel used. These alloys are used in many high speed applications such as rocket engine nozzles.
Tungsten Rings
Tungsten rings come in a variety of designs. They're made of tungsten carbide generally and many feature gold overlays or diamond insets. Most are a silver that resembles platinum or white gold but you may also purchase black tungsten rings that may also feature overlays or designs. Tungsten rings are not expensive and may be purchased for as little as $50, as of the date of publication, although the black tungsten rings generally cost more than that.
Conclusion
Tungsten is an extremely durable and cost-efficient way to produce a variety of products. There is probably tungsten in some of the products around you right now. From televisions to race cars to wedding bands, tungsten may be found in many facets of our lives.