Tungsten Essay

Tungsten is a durable, strong metal that is used to create rings and other jewelry. Below you'll find lots of information about tungsten as well as some fun facts about this incredible metal.

Definition of Tungsten

The origin of the word tungsten comes from the Swedish word meaning heavy stone. It's a steel-gray material that has the highest strength of all known metals. It's hardness is only one point below diamonds on the Mohrs Hardness Scale.

Sources

The main source of tungsten is China, and it's been announced that China might actually limit the production and export of the metal. With this decreased supply, people might find that the demand and price for tungsten might start to rise.

Toxic

There's some confusion in the general public

When it's combined with nickel, it can cause allergic reactions in those who have an allergy. For this reason, you can find many tungsten carbide rings combined with cobalt. It might cause allergice reactions in those with a sensitivity to cobalt. It's important that you know what is combined with the tungsten. Otherwise, it's completely safe and won't cause serious illness.

Fun Facts About Tungsten

Tungsten was discovered by Fausto and Juan Elhuyar in 1783.

Tungsten is called tungsten carbide when it's mixed with an alloy.

The largest producer of tungsten creates 80,000 tons per year.

Tungsten rings won't bend or crush the finger in the event of an accident.

Pressure on a tungsten ring can cause it to shatter.

The rings made with tungsten carbide cannot be resized.

They can be

It often depends on the inlay on the ring itself. When it's inlayed with gold or another precious metal, you're also paying for that precious metal, too. Some rings have diamonds in them.

Along with the inlay and precious gems that might be embedded in the tungsten ring, the price of the ring can vary based on the design of the ring itself. Tungsten rings with Argyle patterns, brick patterns, Celtic knots or pinstripes will cause the price to go up for the ring. Engraving will also raise the price of the tungsten carbide ring.

Stores

Tungsten carbide rings are available in a variety of stores from jewelry stores to department stores. You'll have to choose the ring you want based on where it's located and the price you're willing to pay. A store like Macy's has Triton men's tungsten carbide rings for approximately $400 while an online retailer like Amazon will have them for much less while also having beautiful black sapphires embedded in the band.

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/triton-mens-ring-8mm-black-tungsten-3-row-wedding-band?ID=782935&CategoryID=21176#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D43%26slotId%3D8%26kws%3Dtriton