Element 74 · Transition Metal
Tungsten
The hardest, densest commercially used metal — and now strategically critical due to Chinese export controls.
Element Facts
SYMBOL
W
ATOMIC NO.
74
ATOMIC WEIGHT
183.84
CATEGORY
Transition Metal
PERIOD
Period 6
GROUP
Group 6
Overview
Tungsten is element 74, with the highest melting point of any element at 3,422°C. Its name comes from Swedish "tung sten" meaning "heavy stone." Tungsten carbide, an extraordinarily hard compound, accounts for 60% of global tungsten consumption — used in cutting tools, mining equipment, and wear parts. China controls over 80% of global tungsten production, and in January 2026 implemented strict export controls that have driven prices sharply higher. We have a complete dedicated grade page for tungsten.
Our Scrap Grades for This Metal
Tungsten carbide is one of our highest per-kilogram scrap grades, with prices well above standard non-ferrous metals.