If you’ve ever been in the market for a ring, you may have heard that tungsten carbide is the most durable material on the market. But just how hard is this material? How does it compare to diamond, which is known as one of the hardest substances ever found? Let’s dive into why tungsten carbide rings are so popular and whether or not they are indeed harder than diamonds.
What Exactly Is Tungsten Carbide?
Tungsten carbide is an alloy made from equal parts of tungsten and carbon atoms. This combination creates a substance that is incredibly strong, durable, and scratch-resistant—all qualities that make it a great choice for jewelry. In fact, many people choose tungsten carbide rings over traditional wedding bands due to their strength and resistance to damage.
The Strength of Tungsten Versus Diamonds
So how does tungsten carbide stack up against diamonds when it comes to hardness? On the Mohs hardness scale, diamonds come in at 10/10, while tungsten scores 8/10 – making diamonds 50% harder than tungsten carbide. That said, 8/10 on the Mohs scale still makes tungsten one of the hardest materials on Earth! It’s important to note that diamonds aren’t always stronger than other materials; for example, sapphires rank 9/10 on the Mohs scale and are thus harder than both diamonds and tungsten.
Why Tungsten Rings Are So Popular
Despite being slightly less hard than diamonds, there are many reasons why people prefer to buy tungsten rings instead of diamond ones. For starters, tungsten rings tend to be much more affordable than diamond rings—which can cost thousands of dollars depending on their carat weight and clarity grade—making them ideal for those who want a durable ring without breaking their budget. Additionally, since they require little maintenance or cleaning due to their strong finish and lack of any porous surfaces (unlike gold), they are incredibly low-maintenance jewelry pieces that can stand the test of time with ease.
Conclusion:
All things considered, while diamonds might be slightly harder than tungsten carbide on paper, this doesn’t necessarily mean they make better jewelry pieces in practice; because of its affordability and durability, tungsten has become a popular choice among those looking for high-quality yet low-maintenance jewelry pieces like wedding bands or eternity rings. With its scratch-resistant properties and overall strength compared to other metals like gold or silver, it’s easy to see why so many couples are opting for this type of ring as opposed to a traditional diamond one! Ultimately though – which metal you choose should depend on your tastes and budget.
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