Overview
Tungsten is a dense transition metal with the highest melting point of all metals, prized for hardness and thermal stability.
Properties
It forms hard carbides, has high tensile strength at elevated temperatures and excellent wear resistance.
Occurrence and Uses
Used in light bulb filaments historically, cutting tools, armor piercing projectiles, electrical contacts and high temperature alloys.
Isotopes and Safety
Stable isotopes include W 182 to W 186; tungsten metal is of low chemical toxicity though fine dusts and heavy metal exposure require controls.