What metal has the highest melting point in the world?
Asked by Leia Smith
Tungsten (often referred to as wolfram in other parts of the world) has the highest melting point of any metal. Extracted from wolframite, scheelite and other minerals, it is a grey-white metallic element and is incredibly dense and extremely hard. In fact, it is the second hardest material (only beaten by diamond), has a greater density than lead, and does not break down or decompose, meaning it is environmentally friendly. This range of properties means that tungsten is used in many industries and products, from high-speed cutting tools and jet turbine engines, to shotgun ammunition and fishing weights.
Nathaniel Marten, Science Museum