How Much is Tungsten Worth Per Gram?

Tungsten is a metal distinguished by its unique properties, playing a significant role across diverse industrial sectors. Its incredibly high melting point, superior density, and exceptional hardness make it indispensable in applications demanding extreme durability and heat resistance. Industries from manufacturing to defense rely on tungsten for its performance. Understanding its various forms and the factors influencing its price provides insight into its market value.

Understanding Tungsten Valuation by Form

The “worth per gram” of tungsten is not fixed; it varies considerably depending on its form, purity, and processing. Raw tungsten ore, extracted directly from the earth, is the least processed and least valuable form per gram. This ore typically contains a low percentage of tungsten and requires extensive processing to extract the pure metal. Its value is primarily tied to mining and initial concentration costs.

Tungsten concentrate is derived from ore after initial beneficiation, significantly increasing its tungsten content. While more valuable than raw ore, concentrate still requires further refinement for most industrial uses. Its price reflects the initial investment in mining and mechanical separation processes. Concentrate’s value is higher due to reduced bulk and increased purity compared to raw ore.

Ammonium Paratungstate (APT) is a highly refined intermediate product, serving as a primary material for producing various tungsten forms. APT is a white crystalline powder with a high tungsten content, typically over 88% tungsten trioxide (WO3). Its value per gram is substantially higher than concentrates due to complex chemical purification processes that remove most impurities. APT is a key benchmark in the global tungsten market due to its purity and widespread use.

Tungsten powder, produced from APT through reduction, is a fine metallic powder with purity often exceeding 99.9%. It is a fundamental building block for many advanced tungsten products, including cemented carbides and alloys. The per-gram value reflects the significant energy and chemical processing required for high purity and specific particle size. Its utility in precision manufacturing drives its higher valuation.

Ferrotungsten is an alloy of iron and tungsten, typically containing 70% to 80% tungsten, used primarily in steelmaking to impart hardness and strength. Its value per gram is influenced by both the tungsten content and the market price of iron. While a processed form, its valuation can differ from pure tungsten powder due to its specific application as an alloy additive.

Finished products and specialized alloys, such as tungsten carbide inserts for cutting tools, filaments for light bulbs, or components for aerospace engines, represent the highest value per gram. These products incorporate significant manufacturing, engineering, and intellectual property costs beyond the raw material. Their value reflects the performance characteristics of the final component, which can be many times the cost of the raw tungsten contained within it.

Factors Influencing Tungsten Prices

Global tungsten prices are subject to a dynamic interplay of supply and demand, influenced by economic and geopolitical factors. On the supply side, a significant portion of the world’s tungsten is mined in a few key countries. This makes the market susceptible to production disruptions or policy changes. Mining costs, including labor, energy, and environmental compliance, directly impact tungsten’s floor price. Recycling efforts, which recover tungsten from scrap, contribute to the overall supply, helping moderate price volatility.

Demand for tungsten is primarily driven by its extensive industrial applications. The manufacturing of cutting tools and wear-resistant parts, often involving tungsten carbide, constitutes a major demand segment due to the material’s extreme hardness. The electronics industry uses tungsten in semiconductor manufacturing and as filaments. Aerospace and defense sectors rely on its high density and heat resistance for components like missile parts and turbine blades.

Global economic health significantly impacts tungsten demand. Periods of strong industrial growth typically correlate with increased consumption and higher prices. Conversely, economic slowdowns can reduce manufacturing output, leading to decreased demand and downward pressure on prices. Technological advancements also play a role, as new applications can emerge, increasing demand, or alternative materials might be developed, potentially reducing demand. Geopolitical stability in major producing regions can affect consistent tungsten supply, leading to price fluctuations.

Accessing Current Tungsten Market Data

For current tungsten market data, several reliable sources provide commodity pricing information. Specialized metal price reporting agencies are primary resources, offering detailed reports and indices for various tungsten forms. These agencies collect data from market participants, providing transparency on prevailing prices for tungsten ore, concentrate, APT, and powder. Subscribing to their services often provides access to daily or weekly price assessments.

While tungsten is not typically traded on major commodity exchanges like gold or oil, some industry publications and financial news outlets offer market insights and price trends. These sources often consolidate information from reporting agencies and provide analysis of market drivers. They are a good starting point for understanding broader price movements and market influences.

It is important that “per gram” prices for raw or intermediate tungsten materials are usually derived from larger units, such as per kilogram or per metric ton. When interpreting market data, consider the specific form of tungsten, its purity levels, and the quantity traded, as these factors significantly influence the per-unit price. Prices can also vary based on specific contractual agreements between buyers and sellers, reflecting different payment terms, delivery schedules, and quality specifications.