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Tungsten is a dense metallic element that is known for its hardness, high melting point, and resistance to abrasion and corrosion. Tungsten is often used for steel alloys, aerospace components, electrical contacts, and heavy machinery parts.
Scheelite tungsten is a variety of tungsten ore that contains calcium tungstate mineral scheelite. This ore is usually blue or brown in color and contains fluorescent blue-white veins, distinguishing it from other tungsten ores. It has a tetrahedral crystal habit and good cleavage and breaks into irregular, rough fragments.
Some common types of scheelite tungsten are as follows:
Woolly scheelite
Woolly scheelite is distinguished by its fibrous or woolly appearance, which is rare. This variety often has a dull finish; however, some may be shiny. Its unique texture is due to its fibrous habit, which can sometimes resemble fine wool or hair. It is often found in metamorphic or hydrothermal deposits.
Clear scheelite
As the name implies, clear scheelite is a transparent or semi-transparent mineral. This is unlike most types of scheelite, which are opaque. Its clarity is attributed to its purity, as it contains little to no impurities or other mineral inclusions. When fashioned into gemstones or crystal structures, it is popularly used in jewelry and collector displays.
Reidite scheelite
Reidite scheelite is a rare and high-pressure polymorph of yellow-brown scheelite. Reidite forms under extreme pressure and heat in metamorphic rock or during tectonic events that generate deep time, such as subduction zones. Since Reidite is only stable under high-pressure conditions, it transforms back into the normal form of scheelite when exposed to lower pressure and temperatures.
Radioactive scheelite
This type of scheelite contains small amounts of radioactive elements like uranium and thorium. It can be found in tungsten deposits associated with pegmatites or granitic intrusions. The radioactive minerals often accompany this scheelite, such as zircon or monazite.
Some common industrial uses of scheelite tungsten are as follows:
Tungsten carbide production
Tungsten extracted from scheelite is combined with carbon to form tungsten carbide, a dense and durable material. Tungsten carbide is popular for manufacturing industrial tools like cutting bits and drills, as it provides superior wear resistance and toughness.
Steel alloys
Small amounts of tungsten are added to steel alloys to improve tensile strength, hardness, and resistance to deformation at high temperatures. This makes tungsten-infused steel alloys suitable for heavy machinery, aerospace parts, and automotive components.
Electrodes for welding
Tungsten electrodes are used in gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) or tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding. Tungsten's ability to maintain a sharp point while withstanding high temperatures makes it ideal for precision welding in aerospace, automotive, and construction.
Medical imaging and radiation therapy
In the medical field, tungsten's density and radioactivity resistance make it useful for shielding in radiation therapy machines and protective lead aprons. Tungsten electrodes are also used in medical devices for precision surgeries.
Tungsten compo
Tungsten composites, which contain tungsten extracted from scheelite, are used to manufacture kinetic energy penetrators for military applications. Tungsten's high density and toughness give these projectiles superior armor-piercing capabilities.
Some key benefits of scheelite tungsten are as follows:
Durability
Tungsten carbide rings are among the hardest and most durable materials available. Tungsten carbide is often compared to steel, as it is 4 to 5 times harder than titanium and 12 times harder than gold. Tungsten carbide is highly scratch-resistant, ensuring the ring remains polished and maintains its aesthetic for years.
Heavy and substantial feel
Due to its high density, a tungsten wedding band has a heavy and substantial feel compared to other metals. This provides a comfortable and secure fit on the finger, which many wearers appreciate. The density also gives the ring a solid and robust appearance, contributing to its masculine aesthetic.
Affordability
Although tungsten carbide rings are one of the most durable rings, they are surprisingly affordable compared to platinum or gold. Today, tungsten carbide rings are widely available and often priced under $100 for most models, making them more budget-friendly for couples.
Scratch resistance
The scratch resistance of tungsten carbide rings is a significant benefit for engagement or wedding bands. Since tungsten carbide is incredibly hard, it is nearly impossible to scratch the ring with everyday objects. This ensures the ring will retain its polished and shiny appearance for a long time.
Hypoallergenic properties
Tungsten carbide rings are hypoallergenic. Tungsten carbide is titanium with carbon added. It is an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin or metal allergies. Gold has varying amounts of nickel, which can cause skin irritation for allergy sufferers. Tungsten carbide does not contain these allergenic metals, ensuring a safe and comfortable wearing experience.
Proper storage and transportation of tungsten ore are crucial to prevent damage and maintain its quality. Some tips for storing and transporting scheelite tungsten are as follows:
Airtight container
Store tungsten ore in an airtight container to protect it from moisture and oxidation. Use glass jars, plastic containers, or vacuum-sealed bags. Ensure the container is clean and dry before placing the ore inside to prevent moisture accumulation.
Cushioning materials
When transporting tungsten ore, use cushioning materials like bubble wrap, foam peanuts, or padded envelopes to protect the ore from shocks and vibrations. Ensure the ore is wrapped securely before placing it in a sturdy container for transport.
Label containers
Label the container holding the tungsten ore to identify its contents and destination. This helps avoid confusion and ensures the ore is handled appropriately during transport.
Climate control
If transporting tungsten ore over long distances or in fluctuating weather conditions, consider using insulated containers to maintain a stable temperature and prevent moisture from condensing inside the container.
Use proper vehicles
For larger quantities of tungsten ore, use vehicles with good ventilation and humidity control to prevent moisture buildup. Ensure the cargo area is clean and free of debris before loading the ore.
Scheelite tungsten is a tungsten ore that contains tungsten calcium phosphate mineral scheelite. It is a primary ore source of tungsten. Tungsten is a dense metallic element known for its hardness, high melting point, and resistance to abrasion and corrosion.
Tungsten is often used for producing steel alloys, aerospace components, electrical contacts, and heavy machinery parts. Tungsten carbide is used in cutting tools, mining bits, and drilling rigs. Tungsten carbide is also used in jewelry due to its scratch resistance and durability.
Some types of tungsten ore include woolly scheelite, clear scheelite, reidite scheelite, yellow-brown scheelite, and radioactive scheelite. Woolly scheelite is fibrous and rare. Clear scheelite is a pure and translucent mineral, while reidite scheelite is a high-pressure polymorph of scheelite. They all contain varying degrees of tungsten.
Store tungsten ore in an airtight container, such as glass jars or vacuum-sealed bags, to protect it from moisture and oxidation. When transporting, use cushioning materials like bubble wrap or padded envelopes to protect the ore from damage. Keep the ore in a climate-controlled environment to prevent moisture from affecting the ore during transport.
