Show TUNGSTEN the mineral tungsten the name meaning heavy stone has been known for many years but only comparatively recently has it become of economic importance the most important use according to frank L hess of the united states geological survey and the one which makes tungsten mining on an extensive scale possible is as an alloy for tool steel lathes using tools made from tungsten steel may be speeded up until the chips leaving the tool are so hot that they turn blue an operation which would ruin the temper of high carbon steel it is stated that about five times as much can be done with lathes built for such speed and work as a s can be done by the same lathes with carbon steel tools from 16 to 20 per cent of tungsten is ordinarily used in lathe tools the melting point of tungsten is exceedingly high degrees F tungsten also has an important use in making incandescent electric lamps cruc ables for electric furnaces and various other articles |