Tungsten is significantly stronger than gold, but understanding this comparison requires defining “strength” within materials science. In metallurgy, strength is an umbrella term for several physical characteristics, including hardness, tensile strength, and heat resistance. Comparing these two metals reveals that while both are exceptionally dense, tungsten far surpasses gold in physical durability.
Defining Material Hardness and Density
Comparing the inherent strength of materials relies heavily on two quantifiable metrics: hardness and density. Hardness measures a material’s resistance to localized permanent deformation, such as scratching or indentation. This property is frequently assessed using the Mohs scale, which assigns a number from 1 to 10 based on a material’s ability to scratch another substance.
Density is defined as a material’s mass per unit volume. This metric determines how much material is packed into a given space. Although hardness and density are independent properties, materials with similar densities, like tungsten and gold, can feel similar in weight despite having vastly different physical durability.
Key Characteristics of Tungsten
Tungsten (W) is one of the most robust metals available. It holds the distinction of having the highest melting point of all pure metals, reaching an extreme 3,422 degrees Celsius (6,192 degrees Fahrenheit). This exceptional thermal stability allows it to be used in high-temperature environments, such as filaments in incandescent light bulbs and aerospace components.
When alloyed with carbon to form tungsten carbide, the material achieves remarkable hardness, typically rating between 9 and 9.5 on the Mohs scale. This places it just below diamond, the hardest known natural substance, making it highly resistant to scratching and wear. Its extreme hardness makes it invaluable for heavy-duty industrial applications, including armor-piercing rounds and cutting tools.
Key Characteristics of Gold
In stark contrast to tungsten, pure gold (Au) is an extremely soft metal known for its distinctive yellow color and high luster. It registers a low Mohs hardness value of only about 2.5, meaning a pure gold object can be easily scratched or dented. The metal’s defining characteristics are its superb malleability and ductility, allowing it to be hammered into extremely thin sheets or drawn into fine wires.
Because of its inherent softness, gold used in jewelry is almost always alloyed with other metals like copper or silver to increase its physical strength. Gold is also highly prized for its chemical inertness, meaning it resists tarnishing and corrosion. While this resistance to chemical degradation is a form of durability, it does not contribute to its physical strength or resistance to impact.
The Direct Comparison in Use
The comparison between tungsten and gold highlights a significant difference in physical performance, particularly regarding scratch resistance. Tungsten carbide is nearly ten times harder than the gold alloys typically used in jewelry, making a tungsten ring almost impervious to scratches. This difference in hardness dictates their practical uses, with tungsten dominating applications where wear resistance is paramount, such as in drill bits and heavy machinery.
Gold and tungsten share a remarkable similarity in their density, with gold being 19.3 g/cm³ and tungsten being 19.25 g/cm³. This near-identical weight is why tungsten has historically been used in the counterfeiting of gold bars, as a gold-plated tungsten bar will feel correct in the hand. Ultimately, while gold is valued for its chemical stability and aesthetic qualities, tungsten is the stronger material when measured by physical properties like hardness, heat resistance, and tensile strength.