NATIVE TUNGSTEN Meaning and
Definition
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Native tungsten refers to a naturally occurring mineral form of the chemical element tungsten, also known as wolfram. It is a rare and valuable metal that is typically extracted from its ore minerals, including scheelite and wolframite. However, native tungsten is unique as it occurs in a pure metallic form, often found in small grains or nuggets within granite pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, or alongside other minerals.
This lustrous, steel-gray metal is renowned for its exceptional strength, density, and high melting point, which make it highly desirable for a wide range of industrial applications. Native tungsten is predominantly composed of tungsten atoms, offering a pure form of the element that is less common compared to its various compounds used in numerous alloys and manufacturing processes.
Due to its scarcity and distinct properties, native tungsten is extensively used in the production of electrical contacts, high-temperature applications including furnace components and heating elements, various tooling and machining equipment, and as an essential component in the manufacture of filaments for incandescent light bulbs. Furthermore, its remarkable density and hardness lend it well to applications such as ballistics, radiation shielding, and in alloy blends for creating robust cutting tools.
Overall, native tungsten represents the purest and most elemental form of the tungsten metal, prized for its exceptional physical properties, versatility, and usefulness in a wide array of industries.
Etymology of NATIVE TUNGSTEN
The term "native" refers to something that originates or is found naturally in a specific place. In the case of "native tungsten", the word "native" is used to describe tungsten in its purest form, occurring naturally in nature.
The word "tungsten" has its origins in Swedish. It is a combination of the words "tung" meaning heavy and "sten" meaning stone. This name was given to the element due to its high density and the heavy weight of its ore.
Therefore, "native tungsten" signifies the occurrence of tungsten in its pure and uncombined state, without any other elements.
