Tungsten vs. Molybdenum: Key Differences
Appearance, Weight, and Magnetism
Tungsten:
Smooth surface with strong metallic luster, appearing gray-white or silver-gray.
High density (19.25 g/cm³), exceeding steel and iron.
Non-magnetic.
Molybdenum:
Rough surface with subdued luster, typically gray-black or dark gray.
Moderate density (10.2 g/cm³), higher than iron but lower than steel.
Exhibits slight magnetism and can be magnetized.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Tungsten:
Exceptionally high melting point, hardness, and corrosion resistance.
Ideal for structural and thermally stable applications (e.g., aerospace, electronics, chemical engineering).
Molybdenum:
Lower melting point and moderate hardness, with excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance.
Widely used in metallurgy, machinery, and electronics as an alloying agent.
Applications
Tungsten:
High-temperature alloys, hard metals (e.g., tungsten carbide), and electronic components.
Critical in aerospace, defense, and high-performance electronics.
Molybdenum:
Alloy steel, cast iron, and industrial furnaces.
Valued in metallurgy and mechanical manufacturing for enhancing strength and corrosion resistance.