A Visual Encyclopedia of the Periodic Table

89

Transition Metals

Tantalum, Tungsten

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Tungsten has the highest melting point

of any metal: it turns to liquid at a searing

3,414°C (6,177.2°F). It is a very dense metal,

and its name comes from the Swedish phrase

for “heavy stone”. This metal is usually obtained

from the mineral wolframite. A compound called

tungsten carbide is used to harden objects

such as drill bits. Tungsten’s high melting

point allows it to be used in the filaments

of light bulbs. This element is also useful

in producing weights, such as sinkers

used with fishing lures.

74 74 110

State: Solid

Discovery: 1783

Forms

Uses

A tungsten sinker

is preferred to a

lead one because

it is not poisonous.

This drill bit has a coating

of tungsten carbide, which

protects it from damage.

Tungsten filaments

are becoming less

popular as they are

not energy-efficient.

Drill bit

Cylinder of pure tungsten

refined in a laboratory

Tungsten Light bulb

pigments

were in use in

Chinese porcelain

350 years ago.

This dark, metallic

mineral contains

tungsten and iron.

Pure tungsten is

a hard, grey metal.

This mineral is

the main source

of pure tungsten.

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088-089_Tantalum_Tungsten.indd 89 02/12/16 10:00 pm