The metal - tungsten, or wolfram, - whose melting point is the planet's highest, was named after this mineral.
Wolframite first raised people's attention in the mid-16th century. Back then, ores bearing this mineral were used for smelting tin. Large amounts of foam resulted from wolframite impurities interfered with the process of metal smelting. Hence the mineral's name, which derives from German 'wolf rahm' and translates as 'wolf froth'. The mineral was likened to a predatory animal devouring tin the way a wolf would eat a sheep.
After two centuries of trying, Spanish chemists succeeded in extracting wolfram from tungsten ore. And even nowadays, wolframite remains the primary source of the valuable metal.
Tungsten is a highly demanded chemical element, which is of much use due to its properties: high melting point and robustness. The metal is virtually indestructible. Because of these qualities, its application areas include the manufacturing of high-temperature-resistant heating elements. Such units are designed to operate at temperatures of up to 3000°C and used in metallurgy to smelt metals.
High density is another valuable characteristic of tungsten, making it an integral component of X-ray equipment. Gamma rays are generated on the tungsten plate; they have high penetration power and therefore allow to produce images of objects exposed to radiation. Wolfram plates are an integrated part of the X-ray apparatus used by customs authorities at state borders. The massive scanning systems in their possession make it possible to inspect large cargoes as to whether they contain prohibited items.
Tungsten is also effective at shielding from high-energy radiations, which is why radioactive materials are stored within containers with this metal in their composition.
The tungsten density is comparable with that of gold. It has been long known by counterfeiters who are still trying to sell gold-plated wolfram ingots for the price of pure gold.
Among other applications of tungsten are military, space, aviation, and chemical industries. Since the metal enjoys high demand, wolframite deposits are of great value as the mineral is its primary source. China, Australia, Russia, and the USA are some of the largest producers.
Wolframite extraction and processing is a high-risk activity. People who work with the mineral may suffer from chronic intoxication, with respiratory organs being the most affected.
