Is Tungsten Harder Than Steel? Yes, tungsten is harder than steel, with a Mohs hardness of about 7.5, while most steels range from 4 to 7. Tungsten carbide, an alloy of tungsten, is even harder, reaching around 9 on the Mohs scale.
Have you ever wondered which metal is harder—tungsten or steel? Whether you’re choosing materials for industrial tools, jewelry, or construction, understanding hardness is essential.
Tungsten is often praised for its exceptional hardness, while steel is known for its strength and versatility.
But which one truly stands out in terms of hardness? [Is Tungsten Harder Than Steel?]
In this article, you’ll explore the differences between tungsten and steel, their applications, pros and cons, and which metal suits your needs best.
Contents
Understanding Metal Hardness
What is Hardness?
Hardness refers to a material’s ability to resist scratching, wear, and deformation. It is one of the key properties that determine how long a material lasts under stress. You can measure hardness using different scales, including:
1. Mohs Hardness Scale
The Mohs Hardness Scale ranks materials from 1 to 10 based on their ability to resist scratching. Developed by Friedrich Mohs in 1812, this test is widely used for minerals and metals.
- The softest material, talc, has a hardness of 1 and can be scratched easily.
- The hardest naturally occurring material, diamond, has a hardness of 10 and can scratch all other materials.
- Tungsten has a Mohs hardness of around 7.5, while most types of steel range from 4 to 7, depending on the alloy composition and treatment process.
The Mohs scale is simple and effective but not highly precise for engineering applications, as it only ranks materials based on scratch resistance rather than their overall mechanical strength.
2. Rockwell Hardness Test
The Rockwell Hardness Test is a more precise way to measure hardness, commonly used in metallurgy and engineering.
It determines how deeply an indenter (hardened steel or tungsten carbide ball) penetrates a material under a specific force.
Rockwell hardness is expressed in different scales (HRC, HRB, HRA, etc.) depending on the type of indenter and load used. For example:
- HRC (Rockwell C Scale): Used for harder materials like hardened steel and tungsten carbide.
- HRB (Rockwell B Scale): Used for softer metals like brass and aluminum alloys.
A higher Rockwell number indicates a harder material. Tungsten carbide, for instance, has an HRC of around 90, while hardened steel has an HRC of around 60-65.
3. Brinell Hardness Test
The Brinell Hardness Test is mainly used for testing heavy metals and industrial-grade materials. [Is Tungsten Harder Than Steel?]
In this method, a large steel or tungsten carbide ball is pressed into the material under a specific force, and the diameter of the indentation left behind is measured.
- Brinell Hardness Number (BHN): The larger the indentation, the softer the material; the smaller the indentation, the harder it is.
- This test is widely used for thick and coarse-grained metals, such as cast iron and structural steel, but it is not suitable for very hard materials like tungsten carbide.
4. Vickers Hardness Test
The Vickers Hardness Test is another method used for thin materials and coatings. Instead of a ball, a diamond pyramid-shaped indenter is used to apply force.
The size of the indentation is measured to determine hardness. [Is Tungsten Harder Than Steel?]
- Vickers testing is ideal for testing microstructures of metals and small objects, like thin steel sheets and coatings.
- Tungsten carbide has an extremely high Vickers hardness (~2600 HV), making it one of the hardest materials tested using this method.
Why is Hardness Important?
Hardness is a critical property in various industries, influencing how materials perform under stress. Some key reasons why hardness matters include:
1. Durability
Materials that are harder tend to be more durable and last longer, especially in high-friction environments. This is why tungsten carbide, one of the hardest materials, is used in drill bits, cutting tools, and armor-piercing ammunition.
2. Wear Resistance
A material’s ability to resist scratching and deformation is essential for industrial and consumer applications. [Is Tungsten Harder Than Steel?]
3. Industrial Applications
Choosing the right material for tools, armor, and heavy machinery depends on its hardness. [Is Tungsten Harder Than Steel?]
4. Cutting and Machining
Harder materials can cut through softer ones, making them ideal for industrial cutting tools. [Is Tungsten Harder Than Steel?]
5. Scratch Resistance in Jewelry and Everyday Items
Hardness is not just important in industrial applications—it also plays a role in consumer products like jewelry, watches, and decorative metals.
Tungsten vs. Steel: Hardness Comparison
Tungsten: The Ultra-Hard Metal
Tungsten is one of the hardest naturally occurring metals. Here’s what you need to know:
- Mohs hardness: Around 7.5 (harder than most steels).
- Properties: Dense, wear-resistant, high melting point (3422°C).
- Common uses: Military applications, high-performance tools, electrical contacts, and jewelry.
Tungsten’s high hardness makes it an excellent choice for applications requiring durability and resistance to wear.
However, its hardness also makes it brittle, meaning it can crack or shatter under extreme force. [Is Tungsten Harder Than Steel?]
Steel: Strong but Versatile
Steel is an alloy primarily made of iron and carbon, and its hardness varies depending on the type.
- Mohs hardness: 4-7 (higher for tool and hardened steels).
- Properties: Tough, impact-resistant, and widely used in construction and machinery.
- Common uses: Bridges, buildings, automobiles, weapons, and industrial tools.
Steel is widely used because of its combination of strength, flexibility, and availability. [Is Tungsten Harder Than Steel?]
Unlike tungsten, steel does not easily crack under impact, making it more suitable for applications requiring toughness rather than extreme hardness.
Tungsten Carbide: Even Harder Than Tungsten
What is Tungsten Carbide?
If you’re looking for extreme hardness, tungsten carbide is the answer. It’s an alloy made of tungsten and carbon, offering superior strength.
- Mohs hardness: Around 9 (almost as hard as diamonds).
- Properties: Highly wear-resistant, durable, and ideal for high-impact applications.
Tungsten carbide is widely used in industries requiring maximum hardness and resistance to wear. [Is Tungsten Harder Than Steel?]
While pure tungsten is already hard, the addition of carbon enhances its strength and durability even further.
Where is Tungsten Carbide Used?
- Cutting tools: Drill bits, saw blades, and machining tools rely on tungsten carbide for superior cutting performance.
- Armor-piercing ammunition: The military uses tungsten carbide for armor-penetrating projectiles due to its extreme hardness.
Jewelry and watches: Many modern rings, bracelets, and watches feature tungsten carbide for its scratch-resistant properties. [Is Tungsten Harder Than Steel?]
Pros and Cons: Tungsten vs. Steel
Advantages of Tungsten
✅ Extremely hard and wear-resistant: Tungsten’s hardness allows it to withstand scratches and wear over time.
✅ High-temperature resistance: With a melting point of 3422°C, tungsten can endure extreme heat.
✅ Ideal for high-stress environments: Its resistance to wear makes it perfect for tools and industrial applications.
Disadvantages of Tungsten
❌ Brittle—can crack or shatter under heavy impact: Unlike steel, tungsten is not flexible and can break under stress.
❌ Difficult to machine or reshape: Working with tungsten requires specialized tools and processes.
❌ Heavier than steel: Its density makes it much heavier, which can be a disadvantage in some applications.
Advantages of Steel
✅ Strong, tough, and impact-resistant: Steel’s flexibility makes it suitable for applications requiring both strength and durability.
✅ Easier to shape, weld, and machine: Unlike tungsten, steel can be easily modified to fit various needs.
✅ Corrosion-resistant when alloyed (e.g., stainless steel): Many steel alloys resist rust and corrosion, making them ideal for outdoor use.
Disadvantages of Steel
❌ Softer than tungsten, making it more prone to wear: While steel is tough, it does not have the same level of scratch resistance as tungsten.
❌ Some types are susceptible to rust and corrosion: If not properly treated, steel can rust over time.
See more: Is Sonography Harder Than Radiography? In-Depth Look
Comparing Tungsten and Steel in Different Applications
Jewelry
- Tungsten carbide is popular for rings because of its scratch resistance and polished finish.
- Steel, particularly stainless steel, is often used for more flexible and lightweight jewelry.
Industrial Tools
- Tungsten carbide is preferred for cutting tools due to its extreme hardness.
- Steel is better for tools requiring impact resistance, such as hammers and wrenches.
Construction and Engineering
- Steel is widely used in construction due to its strength and ability to withstand impact.
- Tungsten is rarely used in structural applications because of its brittleness.
Conclusion: Is Tungsten Harder Than Steel?
Tungsten is harder than steel, making it ideal for applications that require extreme wear resistance. However, steel is more flexible, impact-resistant, and easier to work with.
If you need a material for cutting tools or wear-resistant applications, tungsten (or tungsten carbide) is the better choice.
But if you’re looking for a durable, all-purpose metal, steel remains the best option. [Is Tungsten Harder Than Steel?]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is tungsten harder than steel?
Yes, tungsten has a higher Mohs hardness (~7.5) compared to most steels (4-7). However, tungsten carbide is even harder (~9 on the Mohs scale).
Can tungsten break easily?
Yes, despite its hardness, tungsten is brittle and can crack under heavy impact, unlike steel, which is more flexible. [Is Tungsten Harder Than Steel?]
Why is tungsten used in jewelry if it’s brittle?
Jewelry is made from tungsten carbide, which is harder and more durable than pure tungsten. It resists scratches and retains its shine for years. [Is Tungsten Harder Than Steel?]
Which metal is better for tools, tungsten or steel?
Tungsten carbide is preferred for cutting tools due to its extreme hardness. However, steel is better for impact-resistant tools and construction.
Is tungsten heavier than steel?
Yes, tungsten is significantly denser than steel, making it much heavier for the same volume.
Octavia Rowland is a blogger and writer who loves exploring new ideas. She studied sociology and works as a social worker. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her parents.