One of the biggest benefits of having a tungsten ring is that it’s almost impossible to scratch.
On the Mohs scale (which states the relative hardness of different minerals from 1-10), tungsten carbide is highly rated at a 9. This means it is a mineral of extreme hardness, only superseded by the diamond, which is rated a 10 on the same scale. It’s safe to say that tungsten rings will withstand scratching from most everyday, household things you’ll encounter, and you won’t have to worry about scratching so much with tungsten, compared to other jewelry items in your possession.
It’s important to know, however, that it is possible for a tungsten ring to get scratched if it comes in contact with diamonds and corundum (its gem derivatives being ruby and sapphire). The most commonplace culprit could be your jewelry box. It is wise to have your tungsten ring be stored separately from other jewelry to protect it from being scratched in this way.
In addition to your jewelry box, you could encounter diamonds (or more precisely, diamond powder) in household items such as polishers, nail files, and sandpaper. Avoid getting in contact with these kinds of items, alongside any other physically harsh abrasive, to further protect your ring from scratches.
Some think that the kind of finish on tungsten can affect whether or not the ring will get scratched. However, this is not true – no matter the finish, a tungsten ring can and will remain extremely scratch-resistant.
Nevertheless, tungsten can be a fraction more brittle naturally, compared to other ring materials. This means that you must protect it from chipping or potentially cracking. Apart from these exceptions, though, tungsten is a very versatile and durable metal that, provided you take a few precautions, can be enjoyed scratch-free for many years to come.
