In the blinged-out realm of rings and precious jewelry, traditional options like gold, silver, and platinum certainly sparkle beautifully. But a relative newcomer metal challenges assumptions of what finger fortitude can withstand daily wearing and beyond.
Say hello to tungsten – the steel-strength metal refusing to bow to scratches, corrosion and bending pressures trying to compromise jewelry integrity over decades. What is it about tungsten’s molecular composition that enables such epic durability credentials as rings and bands? Let’s investigate key strength metrics and why this titanium trouncing metal proves ideal for lifetime commitments shining on.
Hardness: Stronger Than Steel
The jewelry industry quantifies mineral durability using the Mohs Hardness Scale invented in 1812. This nifty system ranks materials mathematically by their relative capacity to resist scratches when scraped against each other, with talc (gypsum) rating an extremely soft 1 and diamond scoring an unmatched 10 rating.
So how does tungsten measure up on this scratch resistance scale? An impressive 9 – approaching diamond tenacity and far surpassing traditional gold and platinum ratings hovering between 2.5-4. In fact, tungsten bests even hardened steel and titanium, making it almost impossible to mark or cut without diamond precision. Talk about finger fortressing!
Heat Tolerance: Hotter Than Lava
We’ve established tungsten can take daily wearing beatings in stride. But how does it hold up against extreme temperature fluxes over decades of braving summer bbqs, winter snowstorms and everything between?
Incredibly is the answer! You know that molten hot lava oozing menacingly from erupting volcanos? Well tungsten’s ridiculously high melting point of 6170°F (3410°C) makes volcanic magma seem tepid by comparison!
This means no household cooking, weather shifts or typical environmental temperature swings can hope to melt this refractory metal. So go ahead – bake that wedding cake or grill juicy steaks fearlessly with tungsten adorning fingers! Hot and cold tolerance proves no match for tungsten’s might.
Titanium Transcending Compressive Strength
Now onto quantifiable tensile figures that materials scientists geek out over – compressive yield strength stats. This measurable metric indicates how much squeezing pressure is required before permanently deforming a metal.
Once again tungsten blows rivals out of the ballpark, withstanding a groundbreaking 1,510 megapascals (MPa) of force before corporeal surrender. Titanium trails far behind at just 434 MPa while gold settles for dismal 70 MPa. This immense elasticity explains why sensationally strong tungsten makes cratering tooling, radiation shielding, ballistics AND enduring wedding ring applications!
But wait, there’s more illustrating tungsten’s indomitable credentials…
Density: Heft Like a Precious Metal
Compare tungsten against traditional fine metals by sheer weight and this heavyweight pulls no punches packing seriously stout density:
- Tungsten: 19.3 g/cm3
- Platinum: 21.45 g/cm3
- Gold: 19.3 g/cm3
- Silver: 10.49 g/cm3
- Titanium: 4.54 g/cm3
So holding tungsten feels substantively significant – more akin to lucrative platinum and gold than feathery titanium or silver. Jewelry collectors relish valuable heaviness signifying cherished treasures worth their metal weights in emotional fulfillment. Tungsten delivers precious mass in spades!
Rust Proofing: Fortressing Against Oxidation
We arrive at the Achilles heel threat stalking even strong alloys – rust propagating as oxygen molecules freely bond with exposed surface metal atoms then multiply corrosion intricately inside. But tungsten resists oxidizing deterioration tenaciously.
Its densely packed cubic lattice structure fortresses against oxygen migration by blocking absorption and diffusion. The tight metallic bonds between alternating tungsten atoms resist penetrating corrosion and tarnish spread over years of battles.
So while titanium depends on surface treatments like nitride coatings or anodization delivering its anti-corrosive potency, tungsten provides inherently peerless protection no plating or lacquer necessary! Between weathering brutal Saskatchewan winter negative temps and blazing Arizona desert summer heat admirably, tungsten prevails pristine no matter the oxidative onslaught!
The Takeaway: Stronger Than Necessary
After reviewing quantified durability attributes of tungsten spanning hardness, strength and corrosion resistance, tungsten clearly conveys conspicuous overkill capacity as a forever jewelry metal. Gold offers insufficient foil finger protection by comparison. This titanium trouncing metal means well-armed business!
While tungsten borders the realm of excessive excellence for typical fine jewelry scope, its warrior-grade wearability certainly holds symbolic meaning for couples courageously tackling life’s adventures side-by-side come what may! Never underestimate the mighty metaphorical power of tungsten’s commanding strength comforting recipients as an enduring metal guardian through life’s joys and tribulations!
So next time the urge strikes to put a ring on it, consider tungsten’s proven powers shielding what matters most across the ages with steely tenacity!
