tungstenite

mineral

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July 14, 2026

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Tungstenite is a mineral composed of tungsten sulfide (WS₂). It appears as small, lead-gray folia and has a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale.1

While tungstenite is a tungsten-containing mineral, the primary ores for tungsten are wolframite and scheelite. Wolframite is a mixture of iron and manganese tungstates, with varieties named ferberite (iron-dominant) and hübnerite (manganese-dominant). Scheelite is calcium tungstate. Tungsten itself is a strong, refractory metal known for its high melting point and use in steels, lamp filaments, and cutting tools.234

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molybdenite
…hexagonal symmetry as those of tungstenite (tungsten disulfide). Both have layered structures and similar physical properties; the chief difference is the higher specific gravity of tungstenite. For detailed physical properties, see sulfide mineral (table).
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…hexagonal symmetry as those of tungstenite (tungsten disulfide). Both have layered structures and similar physical properties; the chief difference is the higher specific gravity of tungstenite. For detailed physical properties, see sulfide mineral (table).
Read More