If you are wondering if tungsten rings scratch, the simple answer is yes, they do. But if this is the case, why are tungsten rings often claimed as scratch-resistant?
A substance can only be scratched by another substance that is harder than it. Ranking at 8-9 on the Mohs hardness scale, tungsten is a lot harder than many traditional metals like gold and silver, which means it can scratch other jewellery made from these metals.
This means that the claims that tungsten rings are scratch-resistant are true because tungsten is one of the hardest substances around.
However, despite its superior hardness over other metals, there is one substance that is harder than tungsten and can definitely scratch it. With a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, a diamond can easily scratch tungsten carbide.
Let’s go back to the original question. Can tungsten rings be scratched? The answer is yes. But can tungsten rings be scratched easily? The answer is no.
With only one other substance that can scratch it, tungsten rings can still claim to be scratch-free. Most people do not come in contact with diamonds in their daily life, which means that there is virtually nothing around them that can scratch or damage their tungsten ring. Hence, a tungsten ring, in the absence of a diamond, will remain looking new and maintain its original lustre.
Tungsten rings remain to be the best choice for people who are looking for a practical piece of jewellery or couples who prefer to have low-maintenance wedding bands. Unlike traditional rings, you don’t have to remove your ring when doing housework or strenuous activities. People who are engaged in physical labour do not need to worry about their tungsten rings.
Keeping Your Tungsten Ring Scratch-Free
If you are not wearing your tungsten ring, it is essential to store it properly in a pouch separate from your other jewellery. This is especially true if you have diamond stones in some of your jewellery pieces. Conversely, you should also separate your tungsten ring from the rest of your jewellery as the former can scratch the latter.
Then again, it is not just whole diamond stones that you need to watch out for to keep your tungsten ring scratch-free. Diamonds can be hidden in plain sight and you can get in contact with them if you’re not being careful. Besides jewellery, diamonds can occur as diamond powder, which is used as abrasives. It can be found on tools like drill bits, grinder, buffers, and polishers. Some sandpapers and nail files even contain fine diamond powder. So be careful!
Again, it is possible that tungsten rings scratch due to the presence of the one substance that is harder than tungsten, which is diamond. However, because contact with diamonds, and even diamond powder, can be readily avoided, your tungsten ring will easily remain scratch-free.
The Mohs Hardness Scale Explained
The Mohs scale rates mineral hardness from 1 to 10. A higher-rated material will scratch a lower-rated one. Here is where common ring metals sit:
- Gold: 2.5 – 3 (very soft, scratches easily)
- Silver: 2.5 (very soft)
- Platinum: 4 – 4.5 (relatively soft)
- Titanium: 6 (moderate)
- Stainless steel: 6.5 (moderate)
- Tungsten carbide: 9 – 9.5 (extremely hard)
- Diamond: 10 (hardest natural material)
Real-World Scratch Resistance
In daily life, the materials that could scratch your tungsten ring are extremely limited. Diamond jewellery, sapphire watch crystals, and certain industrial abrasives can mark tungsten. Everything else – keys, coins, tools, kitchen surfaces, gym equipment – will not leave a mark.
Compare this to gold, which scratches from contact with almost anything harder than itself. A gold ring shows visible wear within months of daily use, while a tungsten ring looks factory-new after years.
Caring for Your Ring’s Finish
While the tungsten itself resists scratching, plated finishes (black, gold, or rose gold plating) can wear over time. If your ring has a plated finish, treat it with extra care. The base tungsten underneath will always remain scratch-free, but the thin plating layer is less durable than the core material.
Shop Related Tungsten Rings
See for yourself why tungsten stays scratch-free:
- 8mm Mens Black Brushed Tungsten Ring with Polished Green Interior
- Black Hammered Tungsten Rings in 6 or 8mm
- 4mm Men s Silver Brushed Tungsten Ring With Cubic Zirconia