Comparison · Metals & Alloys
Titanium vs Tungsten
Titanium and Tungsten are easy to confuse because both are metals & alloys. Tungsten is harder (Mohs 7.5) than Titanium (Mohs 6), so Tungsten will scratch Titanium and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Titanium and Tungsten
- Tungsten is harder (Mohs 7.5) than Titanium (Mohs 6), so Tungsten will scratch Titanium and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
- Streak color differs: Titanium leaves a silver-gray streak on unglazed porcelain, Tungsten leaves gray.
- Both look metallic, so compare color, tarnish and weight rather than shine.
- Tungsten feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 19.25 versus 4.5 for Titanium).
Titanium vs Tungsten properties
| Property | Titanium | Tungsten |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Metals & Alloys | Metals & Alloys |
| Mohs hardness | 6 | 7.5 |
| Luster | metallic | metallic |
| Streak | Silver-gray | Gray |
| Transparency | opaque | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 4.5 | 19.25 |
| Crystal system | varies | varies |
| Common colors | Silver, Gray, Dark gray | Dark gray, Steel gray, Silver-gray |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$500+ | $5–$600+ |
Which is more valuable?
Tungsten is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $60 against $40 for Titanium, and premium Tungsten can reach $600 or more.
About Titanium
Titanium is a strong, lightweight gray-silver metal used in jewelry, watches, tools, aerospace parts, medical hardware, and performance equipment.
About Tungsten
Tungsten is an extremely dense gray metal used in rings, weights, tools, electrodes, cutting materials, and high-temperature applications.
Titanium vs Tungsten FAQ
Is Titanium the same as Tungsten?
No. Both are metals & alloys, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Tungsten is harder (Mohs 7.5) than Titanium (Mohs 6), so Tungsten will scratch Titanium and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
How can you tell Titanium from Tungsten?
Tungsten is harder (Mohs 7.5) than Titanium (Mohs 6), so Tungsten will scratch Titanium and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Streak color differs: Titanium leaves a silver-gray streak on unglazed porcelain, Tungsten leaves gray. Both look metallic, so compare color, tarnish and weight rather than shine.
Which is harder, Titanium or Tungsten?
Tungsten is harder: Mohs 7.5 against Mohs 6 for Titanium.
Which is more valuable, Titanium or Tungsten?
Tungsten is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $60 against $40 for Titanium, and premium Tungsten can reach $600 or more.
