Tungsten vs. Titanium and other metals: Using The Moh's Scale Of Hardness Chart To Determine Scratch Resistance
When it is time to shop for a man's wedding band, it is time to start wondering how titanium stacks up against tungsten carbide. The Moh's Scale of Hardness is a chart used by the jewelry business to measure the scratch resistance of common materials. To make the comparison easier to understand, we have included the hardness of familiar materials such as teeth and fingernails. The most scratch resistant and hardest material is the diamond that is rated at a ten. Only another diamond can scratch a diamond. However, the most scratch resistant and hardest metal is tungsten but hard crystals such as sapphires and diamonds can scratch it. Titanium, on the other hand, is significantly less resistant to scratching.
How To Select The Right Metal For Your Wedding Band
It really comes down to which metal qualities matter the most to you when you are selecting the perfect metal for your wedding band. Most people want more durable metal that won't look worn or is easily scratched such as a ceramic or tungsten ring. Certain colors such as white metals or dark metals may be preferred. Some prefer gold or platinum because these metals have a higher value. We can help you choose, whatever the case may be for you. When couples choose the metals to be used in their future wedding bands, they consider common criteria. On the chart below, each metal is rated by these criteria. Each type of metal's advantages and disadvantages are also listed below. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us.
| Metal Type | Scratch Resistance |
Affordability | Metal Purity |
Hypoallergenic Level |
Density (Weight) |
| Tungsten Carbide |  |
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| Cobalt Chrome | |
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| Titanium | |
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| Ceramic | |
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| Platinum | |
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| Palladium | |
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| 14k Gold | |
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| Silver | |
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Metal Pros And Cons
Tungsten
Pros: It is very affordable, hypoallergenic and is the metal that is most scratch resistant. Easily removed in case of emergency, no cutting or sawing needed.
Cons: It doesn't bend because of its hardness, but breaks if enough force is applied. Not as white as platinum.
Ceramic
Pros: It is hypoallergenic and will not set metal detectors off. When compared to tungsten, it is almost as scratch resistant but the black color will not scratch off since it is not plating like black tungsten.
Cons: Does not bend, due to its hardness. Breaks if enough force is applied.
Titanium
Pros: It is affordable, does not crack under pressure, and is hypoallergenic.
Cons: Easiest to scratch of all alternative metal rings. Must be cut off in case of emergency.
Platinum
Pros: The most luxurious of all metas. It is hypoallergenic and is very white in color.
Cons: It is easier to scratch than palladium. It is the most expensive metal.
Silver
Pros: Silver is hypoallergenic and has a very white color. It is the least expensive of the precious metals.
Cons: It is more resistant to scratching than gold. Even though it tarnishes, it can be cleaned at home.
Gold
Pros: It can be made into many colors. It's easy to work with. It is a good store of value.
Cons: Not as scratch resistant and might require an occasional polishing. It is expensive.