Is Tungsten Magnetic? A Comprehensive Guide

Are you wondering whether tungsten is magnetic? Whether you’re considering tungsten for industrial applications or curious about its properties, understanding its magnetic nature is key.

Tungsten in its pure form is not magnetic because its atomic structure doesn’t allow for the alignment of magnetic domains, which is necessary for magnetism. However, when tungsten is alloyed with other metals, it can exhibit weak ferromagnetic properties, though the magnetism is generally quite limited.

In this guide, we’ll explore why tungsten isn’t magnetic and under what conditions it might become magnetized. Let’s dive deeper into the magnetic properties of tungsten and uncover why this metal behaves the way it does.

What Is Tungsten?

Tungsten is a dense, heavy metal known for its high melting point and strength. It is commonly used in applications requiring durability and resistance to extreme heat. Tungsten is typically alloyed with other materials to enhance its properties, such as tungsten carbide, which is known for its hardness and wear resistance.

While tungsten is highly sought after for its physical attributes, one of the most common questions people ask is whether tungsten is magnetic.

What is the Density of Tungsten?

The density of tungsten is 19.25 g/cm³, making it one of the densest metals. This high density contributes to its strength, durability, and resistance to wear. Tungsten is widely used in applications requiring heavy and dense materials, such as counterweights, radiation shielding, and military projectiles, due to its ability to withstand extreme conditions.

Chemical and Physical Properties of Tungsten

Property	Value	Description
Element Symbol	W	Tungsten’s chemical symbol is W, derived from the Swedish word “wolfram.”
Atomic Number	74	Tungsten has an atomic number of 74, placing it in the transition metals category.
Atomic Weight	183.84 g/mol	The atomic weight of tungsten is 183.84 grams per mole.
Density	19.25 g/cm³	Tungsten is one of the densest metals, which contributes to its strength.
Melting Point	3,422°C (6,192°F)	Tungsten has the highest melting point of any metal, making it ideal for high-temperature applications.
Boiling Point	5,555°C (10,031°F)	The boiling point is exceptionally high, which is why tungsten is used in extreme environments.
Electrical Conductivity	1.79 × 10⁶ S/m	Tungsten is a good conductor of electricity, though not as much as copper or silver.
Thermal Conductivity	173 W/(m·K)	It has relatively high thermal conductivity, allowing heat to transfer effectively.
Young’s Modulus	411 GPa	Tungsten is extremely stiff, making it resistant to deformation.
Hardness (Vickers)	343 HV	Tungsten is very hard, making it highly resistant to wear.
Electrical Resistivity	5.6 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m	Tungsten has relatively low electrical resistance compared to other metals.
Crystal Structure	Body-Centered Cubic (BCC)	Tungsten crystallizes in a body-centered cubic lattice.
Color	Steel gray to tin-white	Tungsten is a metallic, steel-gray color in its pure form.
Corrosion Resistance	High	Tungsten resists corrosion, particularly at high temperatures and in harsh environments.
Magnetic Properties	Non-magnetic (in its pure form)	Tungsten does not exhibit magnetic properties unless alloyed with magnetic elements.
Tensile Strength	1510 MPa (mega pascals)	Tungsten has exceptional tensile strength, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications.
Hardness (Rockwell B)	150 HRB	Tungsten’s hardness makes it suitable for applications requiring wear resistance.

Types of Magnetism

Magnetism refers to the physical phenomenon by which certain materials exert attractive or repulsive forces. There are six main types: Ferromagnetism, Paramagnetism, Diamagnetism, Antiferromagnetism, Ferrimagnetism, and Superparamagnetism. Each defined by how materials respond to magnetic fields:

• Ferromagnetism
  This is the most common and strongest form of magnetism. Ferromagnetic materials, like iron, cobalt, and nickel, have magnetic domains that align in the presence of a magnetic field, making the material strongly magnetic. These materials can retain magnetization even after the external magnetic field is removed.
• Paramagnetism
  Paramagnetic materials are weakly attracted to magnetic fields. Unlike ferromagnetic materials, the magnetic moments of the atoms in paramagnetic substances do not align spontaneously but will align slightly in the presence of a magnetic field. This effect is usually weak and temporary, disappearing once the magnetic field is removed. Examples include aluminum and platinum.
• Diamagnetism
  Diamagnetic materials are weakly repelled by magnetic fields. This occurs because the material’s electrons create a small opposing magnetic field when exposed to an external field. The effect is generally very weak and is seen in materials such as copper, graphite, and water.
• Antiferromagnetism
  In antiferromagnetic materials, the magnetic moments of adjacent atoms or ions align in opposite directions, canceling each other out. This results in no overall magnetization. Antiferromagnetic materials show a weak response to external magnetic fields but behave differently than paramagnetic materials. Examples include manganese oxide and iron oxide at certain temperatures.
• Ferrimagnetism
  Ferrimagnetic materials are similar to antiferromagnetic materials, but in ferrimagnetism, the opposing magnetic moments of the atoms or ions are unequal, leading to a net magnetization. Ferrimagnetism is found in materials like magnetite (Fe₃O₄) and certain ceramics.
• Superparamagnetism
  Superparamagnetism occurs in small ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic nanoparticles, where thermal fluctuations prevent the alignment of magnetic domains. As a result, these materials behave like paramagnetic substances at large scales but exhibit strong magnetic effects at the nanoscale. This phenomenon is used in various applications, such as magnetic storage and biomedical imaging.

Checking for Magnetism

To check for magnetism in a material, you can simply use a magnet. If the material is attracted to the magnet, it’s magnetic. For a more precise test, you can use a compass to see if the material affects the direction of the needle, or a gauss meter to measure the strength of its magnetic field. Weakly magnetic materials, like paramagnetic substances, may show only a faint attraction, while ferromagnetic materials will exhibit a stronger pull.

Is Tungsten Magnetic?

Pure tungsten is not magnetic. This is because tungsten’s atomic structure does not support the alignment of magnetic domains, which is a characteristic required for a material to become magnetized. However, tungsten does have some ferromagnetic properties in certain forms, especially when alloyed with other metals, though this magnetic strength is usually weak.

In most practical applications, tungsten is not used for its magnetic properties. Rather, its durability, strength, and heat resistance make it ideal for use in industries like aerospace, defense, and heavy manufacturing.

Why Is Tungsten Not Magnetic?

The lack of magnetism in pure tungsten is primarily due to its atomic structure. Tungsten atoms have a specific arrangement where the electrons in their outer shells do not create the conditions necessary for magnetic attraction. This is in contrast to ferromagnetic materials, like iron, where the electrons align in a way that makes them magnetic.

Tungsten’s crystalline structure and electron configuration prevent the formation of magnetic domains. Even when a strong external magnetic field is applied, tungsten doesn’t retain magnetism once the field is removed.

Can Tungsten Become Magnetic?

Although pure tungsten is not magnetic, tungsten alloys may exhibit magnetic properties. When tungsten is combined with ferromagnetic materials like iron or nickel, the resulting alloy may be weakly magnetic. However, the strength of the magnetism largely depends on the percentage of magnetic metals used in the alloy and the specific manufacturing process.

In industrial settings, tungsten is rarely used in applications where magnetism is required. Instead, engineers typically opt for other materials known for their magnetic properties, like iron, steel, or certain cobalt alloys.

Magnetic Susceptibility of Tungsten

Magnetic susceptibility (χ) measures how much a material becomes magnetized when exposed to an external magnetic field, quantifying the degree of magnetization in response to that field. Understanding the magnetic susceptibility of tungsten is crucial when evaluating its potential for use in magnetic applications.

Tungsten is classified as a paramagnetic material, which means it has a weak positive susceptibility to magnetic fields. While tungsten is weakly attracted to magnetic fields, this attraction is minimal, and it does not retain magnetism once the external field is removed. This behavior is characteristic of paramagnetic materials, which do not maintain magnetization in the absence of an external magnetic influence. Tungsten’s paramagnetism arises due to the presence of unpaired electrons in its d-orbital. Despite this, tungsten’s magnetic susceptibility is quite low, indicating that the material’s response to an external magnetic field is weak.

At room temperature, tungsten’s magnetic susceptibility (χ) is approximately +6.8 × 10⁻⁶ emu/g, indicating a slight attraction to magnetic fields. However, this effect is so weak that, in practical terms, tungsten is generally considered non-magnetic. For comparison, ferromagnetic materials like iron have a magnetic susceptibility in the range of 10³ emu/g, which is several orders of magnitude stronger than that of tungsten. Therefore, despite being slightly attracted to magnetic fields, tungsten’s weak magnetic susceptibility makes it largely non-magnetic for most practical purposes.

What Is the Melting Point of Tungsten?

The melting point of tungsten is 3,422°C (6,192°F), making it the highest melting point of any metal. This property allows tungsten to withstand extremely high temperatures, which is why it is used in applications such as aerospace, light bulb filaments, and industrial machinery that require materials capable of withstanding intense heat.

Is Tungsten Carbide Magnetic?

Tungsten carbide itself is not magnetic. However, some tungsten carbide alloys may exhibit slight magnetic properties, depending on the other metals alloyed with tungsten. For instance, if tungsten carbide contains iron, nickel, or cobalt, the material can become slightly magnetic. The extent of magnetism depends on the specific alloy composition and the ratio of tungsten to other metals.

Is a Tungsten Ring Magnetic?

Pure tungsten rings are not magnetic, as tungsten itself is not a magnetic material. However, tungsten rings may become slightly magnetic if they contain certain alloys, such as iron or cobalt. These alloys can impart magnetic properties, although the magnetism in tungsten rings, especially those made of high-purity tungsten, remains very weak or negligible.

Tungsten in Magnetic Applications by Industry

Although not magnetic by itself, tungsten carbide’s strength makes it highly valuable in industries that require extreme performance under tough conditions.

Aerospace Industry

In aerospace applications, tungsten is valued for its high density, strength, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures, rather than its magnetic properties. Tungsten and its alloys are used in CNC machining to create precision components like aerospace fasteners, engine parts, and counterweights. These parts must endure harsh environments, including high pressures and temperatures, making tungsten an ideal material for applications in missile guidance systems and jet engines. Despite its limited magnetic use, its wear resistance and heat stability are paramount in this field.

Defense Industry

Tungsten plays a critical role in the defense sector, particularly in ammunition, armor-piercing projectiles, and military tools. CNC machining is used to manufacture tungsten carbide components due to their high hardness and durability. These parts are resistant to wear and can withstand the intense stress of military applications. Tungsten’s thermal resistance is another key benefit in defense applications where high temperatures are common, even though its magnetic properties are minimal.

Manufacturing and Tooling

Tungsten carbide, a composite of tungsten, is widely used in CNC machining for producing cutting tools, drill bits, and milling tools. Its remarkable hardness and wear resistance make it ideal for applications requiring long-lasting tools that can withstand heavy-duty use. Industries like mining, oil drilling, and construction benefit from these properties, where the materials need to endure constant friction and high forces. Despite not being magnetic, tungsten’s mechanical properties are crucial in these sectors.

Medical Industry

In medical applications, tungsten is used in radiation shielding and high-precision medical devices, where its high density and non-reactivity are more important than its magnetic properties. Tungsten’s CNC machining capabilities enable the production of surgical tools, radiation therapy equipment, and X-ray shielding components. The material’s ability to resist corrosion and handle extreme temperatures makes it valuable in applications that require both precision and safety.

Electronics and Electrical Engineering

Although tungsten’s magnetic properties are weak, it is still used in the electronics industry for components that need to withstand high temperatures and thermal stability. CNC machining processes are often employed to manufacture tungsten filaments in light bulbs and vacuum tubes, where its resistance to melting and corrosion is more critical than its magnetic behavior. Tungsten’s role in electrical applications is focused on its ability to endure heat and stress.

In Conclusion

Tungsten is not magnetic in its pure form, and its magnetic properties are typically weak unless alloyed with ferromagnetic materials. While it is not used for magnetism in most industries, tungsten’s strength, high melting point, and wear resistance make it ideal for demanding applications such as aerospace, defense, and industrial manufacturing.

If you want to learn more about magnetism, you can read this blog post: Is Cast Iron Magnetic? A Comprehensive Guide