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Tungsten carbide is an inorganic chemical compound that contains equal numbers of tungsten and carbon atoms. It is sometimes colloquially referred to as simply "carbide." In its most basic form, it is a fine gray powder, but it can be pressed and formed into shapes for use in industrial machinery, tools, abrasives, as well as men's jewelry.
The notable and rare combination of physical properties possessed by tungsten carbide makes it useful for a variety of applications. It is extremely strong and wear-resistant. There are only a few materials on earth that can be used to cut or engrave it, with industrial diamond abrasives being one of these. Its tensile strength is very high, but it is brittle under high pressures as a result. The melting point is also very high, at 5,200°F (2,870°C). To boil, it must be heated much further, to 10,382°F (6,000°C).
This compound can be made by reacting tungsten and carbon at temperatures of around 2,552 to 3,632°F (1,400 to 2,000°C). It is then often made into mills and cutting tools for industrial use, which are able to withstand heavy use and high temperatures. Military organizations also use it in armor-piercing ammunition as an alternative to depleted uranium because of its very high density and hardness level. Some sporting goods are made stronger and more durable by the addition of carbide. Trekking poles used by hikers, for instance, use carbide tips in order to gain traction on hard or rocky surfaces.
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