Tungsten rings, also called tungsten carbide rings, are one of the top choices for wedding bands, and for good reason. First, tungsten is superior over other metals when it comes to toughness and durability. Tungsten is one of the hardest substances around, which makes it scratch-resistant. Tungsten rings are also easy to clean and maintain. Plus, tungsten rings are generally more affordable than traditional rings.
Being a relatively new and different alternative to traditional rings made of gold and silver, tungsten rings tend to pique our curiosity. There are many questions, and even myths, surrounding tungsten rings, one of which has something to do with their magnetic properties.
Is tungsten magnetic?
Tungsten, by itself, has a very low susceptibility to magnetism. However, tungsten carbide, which is an alloy of tungsten and carbon, is, in essence, magnetic because the elements in it are susceptible to magnetism.
Then again, tungsten carbide has different grades, with different amounts of binder. This means that to determine whether your tungsten ring is magnetic or not, you have to know the type and amount of each metal that makes up for its composition.
Tungsten rings’ susceptibility to magnetism is a concern for some people because wearing magnetic metals can be dangerous in an MRI. If you need a tungsten ring that is less responsive to magnets, make sure to choose a grade of tungsten carbide that contains a very small amount of binder.
It is best to do research and always consult a reputable seller of tungsten carbide rings to gain correct information about your ring.