- Jewelry Identifier
- Hallmarks
- TUNGSTEN
* tungsten-carbide hallmark
The TUNGSTEN hallmark: meaning, purity & value
Tungsten carbide. Mohs 8.5-9; extremely scratch-resistant. Common in modern men's wedding bands. Brittle — can shatter on hard impact. Cannot be resized (must be replaced).
Published May 30, 2026
Quick facts
- Metal
- tungsten-carbide
- Common regions
- international
- Density
- 15.6 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 2870 °C
Stamps that mean the same thing
This purity may be struck into jewelry as any of: TUNGSTEN / TUNGSTEN CARBIDE / WC. The mark differs by country and era, but the metal content is identical.
What TUNGSTEN tells you
Tungsten carbide. Mohs 8.5-9; extremely scratch-resistant. Common in modern men's wedding bands. Brittle — can shatter on hard impact. Cannot be resized (must be replaced).
How to check it yourself
- Examine the stamp under a 10× loupe — genuine marks are crisp and evenly struck, not doubled or smeared.
- Confirm the mark reads TUNGSTEN or an equivalent such as TUNGSTEN CARBIDE.
- Weigh the piece and estimate its volume — the density should land near 15.6 g/cm³ for this alloy.
- Photograph it in the Jewelry Identifier app to read the metal, hallmark, and any gemstones from the image.
- For a binding result, have an assay office or gemological lab run an XRF purity test.
* Frequently asked
FAQ
- Q. Is TUNGSTEN the same as TUNGSTEN CARBIDE?
- A. Yes. TUNGSTEN, TUNGSTEN CARBIDE, WC all denote the same material — tungsten-carbide. Different markets and eras stamp it differently, but the purity is identical.
- Q. How do I confirm a TUNGSTEN stamp is genuine?
- A. Look at the mark under 10× magnification for crisp, even strikes, cross-check the weight-to-volume ratio against the expected density (15.6 g/cm³ for this alloy), scan it with the Jewelry Identifier app, and — when it matters — have an XRF test done by an assay office or gemological lab.
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