Which Metal Has the Highest Melting Point?

Quick Answer

Tungsten has the highest melting point of any metal, at 3,422 °C (6,192 °F).

The Full Story

Tungsten (symbol W, from the German "Wolfram") melts at 3,422 °C, the highest of any pure metal and the second-highest of any element after carbon (which sublimes at about 3,642 °C under normal pressure). This extreme melting point results from tungsten very strong metallic bonds and its half-filled 5d electron shell, which resists disruption. Tungsten is used in incandescent light-bulb filaments, rocket nozzles, armour-piercing ammunition, and radiation shielding. Its density of 19.3 g/cm³ is nearly identical to gold and almost twice that of lead.

Key Facts

1.Tungsten was first isolated in 1783 by Spanish chemists Juan José and Fausto Elhuyar.

2.The filament in a standard incandescent bulb operates at about 2,500 °C — still well below tungsten melting point.

3.China produces about 80% of the world tungsten supply.

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