Tungsten is a unique metal known for its denseness, hardness and heat resistant characteristics. Not only does it have the highest melting point of all elements but its density is comparable to uranium and gold. It’s also the only metal from the third transition series known to occur in biomolecules, where it’s used in a few species of bacteria and archaea.

Tungsten is an extremely valuable metal because of its significant use in wear-resistant materials used primarily in the metalworking, mining and construction sectors.

The following infographic outlines the importance of the metal as well as why it’s so valuable.

According to Largo Resources, one of the largest tungsten mining companies, the metal in its purest form is a steel-grey to tin-white metal derived primarily from Wolframite and Scheelite.

The leading producer of tungsten is China with Canada, Kazakhstan, Russia and the U.S. following as a significant resource. China is also the world’s leading consumer of the metal, which has a significant influence on its price. The country currently produces 60,000 of the world’s 72,000 tons per year.

• [Editor:Mango]