Wolframite is a mineral commonly recognized as an important source of the chemical element tungsten. It belongs to the wolframite group of minerals, which are classified as tungstates. The word "wolframite" is derived from the German term "wolfram," meaning "wolf's foam" or "skim." This name was given to the mineral due to its property of reducing tin ores to a froth-like appearance when heated.
Chemically, wolframite is composed of iron and manganese tungstates with the general formula (Fe,Mn)WO₄. It typically appears as a dark brown to black mineral, sometimes exhibiting reddish-brown or grayish-black streaks. Wolframite often occurs in parallel or elongated prismatic crystal formations, although it can also be found in granular or massive forms.
Due to its high tungsten content, wolframite is an essential ore for the production of tungsten metal, which is known for its exceptional strength and heat resistance. Tungsten finds various applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electrical, and defense, owing to its impressive physical and chemical properties. Furthermore, tungsten is utilized in the production of high-speed steels, tool steel alloys, electrical contacts, and filaments for incandescent light bulbs, among other applications.
Wolframite deposits can be found in various countries around the world, notably in China, Russia, Bolivia, Peru, Canada, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Extraction of wolframite involves various mining techniques, such as open-pit mining or underground mining, followed by processing methods to separate the mineral from the surrounding rocks and minerals.
