This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
Tungsten (symbol W) is a chemical element with atomic number 74 belonging to the group of transition metals. Its name is derived from the Swedish phrase “tung sten” meaning “heavy stone”. It is located in group 6B of the periodic table and does not occur in nature in its free state; it is found only in compound minerals.
Chemically it is a highly inert metal. At room temperature it does not react with air or water and dissolves only in certain strong acids. For example tungsten does not dissolve in hydrochloric or sulfuric acid but dissolves in a mixture of nitric and hydrofluoric acid to form “tungstic acid” (H₂WO₄). This property gives tungsten high resistance to corrosive environments.
Pure tungsten has a bright gray-white color and is very dense (specific gravity 19.25 g/cm³). Its melting point is 3422 °C the highest of all metals. It becomes malleable at 1600 °C allowing it to be drawn into wire. This high melting temperature makes tungsten the preferred material for high-heat applications.
Tungsten Element (Generated by Artificial Intelligence.)
The uses of tungsten are largely based on its physical and chemical durability. In particular the industrial sector favors it for producing alloys resistant to heat wear and chemicals.
The most common use of tungsten is in steel production. Approximately 80% of global tungsten production is consumed in this sector. Steels containing 1% to 10% tungsten gain enhanced mechanical strength at high temperatures. Tool steels high-speed cutting tools (milling cutters lathe bits drilling bits etc.) springs and rifle barrels are manufactured from these alloys.
Tungsten carbide (WC) formed by tungsten and carbon is among the hardest materials used in industry. It is used in cutting and abrasive tools drill bits and the cores of armor-piercing projectiles. Tungsten borides also exhibit high hardness and chemical resistance.
Approximately 2% to 5% of tungsten is used in the electrical and electronics sector. It is preferred for filaments in incandescent lamps X-ray tubes radio valves and atomic welding electrodes. This application is made possible by the metal’s high melting point and low vapor pressure.
Tungsten compounds are used as pigments in the production of paints and varnishes and to a limited extent in the textile industry for producing water-resistant and heat-resistant fabrics.
Tungsten is distributed in the Earth’s crust at low concentrations. However economically viable minerals are specific types with high tungsten content. The most common tungsten minerals are the wolframite group scheelite and rare tungsten elements.
Wolframite is an isomorphic series between iron wolframite (ferberite) and manganese wolframite (hübnerite). When the iron content increases the mineral is called ferberite and when the manganese content rises it is called hübnerite. The color and physical properties of this mineral depend on the proportions of iron and manganese in its composition. It typically occurs as crystals ranging from dark brown to black. The crystal structure is usually prismatic with specific gravities between 7.1 and 7.5.
Scheelite occurs in gray yellow and brown tones sometimes as translucent crystals. It is commonly found with quartz calcite and other common minerals but is distinguished by its higher specific gravity and brittle structure. Its hardness ranges from 4 to 5.
Less commonly found tungsten minerals include tungstate ferritungstate and tungstenite. These are generally present in trace amounts alongside other minerals.
Tungsten minerals typically form together with other minerals. Wolframite can be found with non-metallic minerals such as quartz feldspar topaz fluorite and calcite as well as metallic minerals such as arsenopyrite molybdenite chalcopyrite and beryl.
Economically viable tungsten deposits are geological formations where the metal is concentrated above a certain threshold. Natural tungsten minerals generally contain 0.3% to 2.3% tungsten trioxide (WO₃). Ore enrichment processes are applied to make them suitable for industrial use.
These deposits typically develop within quartz veins along the margins of granitic magmatic bodies. The ore veins can vary in thickness from a few centimeters to several meters and extend for kilometers. Wolframite is the primary tungsten mineral in these deposits. Other minerals such as cassiterite arsenopyrite beryl molybdenite and pyrite may also be present within the veins.
These refer to mineralization occurring along numerous thin veins and fractures within or around granitoid rocks. They have large reserves but low ore grades and are suitable for simple and low-cost open-pit mining.
These form at contact zones between granitic magmas and carbonate rocks such as limestone. Scheelite is the primary tungsten mineral in these deposits. Mineralization may be irregular or layered. These deposits can sometimes contain reserves of tens of thousands of tons.
These form when tungsten minerals accumulate in secondary environments such as river and stream beds as a result of physical weathering and transport. These deposits typically consist of wolframite and scheelite particles. Such deposits enriched by fluvial processes can be easily located at the surface.
Tungsten deposits are predominantly associated with granitic and volcanic rocks. They are commonly found along the margins of large granitic intrusions contact metamorphic zones or skarns. In these high-temperature and high-pressure environments tungsten minerals crystallize together with minerals such as quartz mica and feldspar.
Vein-type deposits develop in areas near the outer edges of granitic bodies where fracture and fault systems are dense. Hydrothermal fluids circulate through these zones precipitating tungsten minerals. Stockwork deposits refer to regions mineralized along widespread and intensive fracture systems.
Skarn deposits form through metasomatic alteration at granite-limestone contact zones. These deposits typically have high grades and large reserves.
Tungsten exploration is based on geological and mineralogical indicators. Prospectors search for black wolframite layers in quartz veins and the presence of placer-type wolframite and scheelite particles in river and stream beds may indicate proximity to a deposit.
The following criteria should be considered during exploration activities:
Combined geological mapping magnetic measurements geochemical analyses and drilling can identify economically viable tungsten deposits.
Industrial Applications of Tungsten
Steel Industry
Carbide and Boride Alloys
Electrical and Lighting Industry
Chemical and Textile Industries
Tungsten Minerals
Wolframite Group
Scheelite
Rare Tungsten Minerals
Tungsten Ore Types and Deposits
Vein-Type Deposits
Stockwork (Network) Deposits
Skarn Deposits
Placer Deposits
Geological Setting of Tungsten Deposits
Tungsten Exploration Methods and Indicators