Can Metal Detectors Detect Tungsten? 

Ever slipped on a tungsten ring and wondered, can your average metal detector sense its hidden allure? Dive in to unravel this metallic mystery!

can metal detectors detect tungsten

During the first few months of my trip to Pea Ridge Mine in Missouri, I was searching for Tin treasures. However, local metal detectorists informed me that the Pea Ridge mine is also known for its tungsten.

That’s when my treasure-hunting instincts kicked in, compelling me to search for tungsten treasures.

I gathered every piece of information about tungsten until I had answered all my questions. Let me share my experience with you.

Here’s what I’ve learned: Can metal detectors detect tungsten?

Yes, metal detectors can detect tungsten. While tungsten has lower electrical conductivity than metals like gold, specialized detectors sensitive to low-conductivity metals can efficiently identify it.

I have decided to put together everything I know about tungsten here so you can read and practice them too. 

In this article I’ll explore can metal detectors detect tungsten with the detection procedures and I’ve included some tips and techniques as well.

Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.

So here you go!

Tungsten items found when metal detecting
Tungsten items found when metal detecting

Will Metal Detectors Detect Tungsten?

Yes. A metal detector is able to detect tungsten as it is metallic. 

However, compared to gold the conductivity of tungsten is low. So it will be quite challenging to find tungsten when it is together with other metals.

A standard metal detector will struggle to find tungsten. But if a high-end metal detector that is specifically made to detect precious metals is used, then it will be easy to detect the metal.

Specialized detectors are made to be sensitive to low-conductivity metals like tungsten. 

They also have a high electromagnetic field that can easily penetrate through low-conductivity metals. 

The shape, size, and purity of the tungsten object, as well as the surrounding environmental conditions, also affect the ability to detect tungsten. 

The sensitivity, frequency, discrimination, and other settings of the detector can also impact on the detector’s ability to find tungsten. 

If a proper detector with the required settings is chosen, the possibility of detecting tungsten will be increased. 

Characteristics of Tungsten metal
Characteristics of Tungsten metal

What Does Tungsten Look Like In The Ground?

Tungsten is a grayish-white metal. It is also very hard and dense. Tungsten deposits usually can be seen as veins. 

These are associated with quartz and molybdenum. The veins can be found in different sizes and shapes. 

They can have a structure from thin sheet-like to thick ones. Also can be found as grains within the rocks.

The tungsten ores occur in three main forms: scheelite, wolframite, and ferberite. Scheelite is white or grayish in color. Wolframite and ferberite are black or brownish black. 

So tungsten in the ground can appear as veins or mineral grains that are associated with other minerals. 

Did you know fact about tungsten treasures
Did you know fact about tungsten treasures

Is Tungsten Ferrous Or Non-Ferrous?

This is a type of question that I’ve been asked by several new detectors. 

Tungsten is actually a non-ferrous metal. This means that the magnetic properties of this metal are low. 

Since Tungsten is a non-ferrous metal and all non-ferrous metals can be detected by metal detectors, we can conclude Tungsten will also set off metal detectors.

But even non-ferrous metals now can be identified with the use of modern metal detectors with high technology. 

Best Metal Detectors For Tungsten 

Here is a list of some best detectors that are suitable for detecting tungsten. 

The first three detectors were used and recommended by me as per my personal experience.

  • Garrett’s AT Pro
  • Bounty Hunter QSI Quick Silver 
  • Nokta Makro Andibio Multi
  • Minelab Equinox 800
  • Garrett AT Gold
  • Fisher F44
  • Whites MXT All Pro
Tungsten ring found from ground
Tungsten ring found from ground

How To Identify If A Metal Is Tungsten?

There are several methods that can be used in order to confirm if a metal is tungsten. 

Spark Test

Tungsten has a unique spark when it is ground on a grinding wheel. 

When it is touched on a grinder, it creates a bright white spark without a lot of branching.

Density Test

Tungsten has a very high density compared to lead or gold. In order to test the metal, two buckets of water can be placed. 

Then two pieces of metal can be taken: tungsten and gold with the same weight. Release it into the water and see which metal reaches the bottom first. 

Tungsten will reach before gold since it has a high density.

Tungsten relic found when metal detecting
Tungsten relic found when metal detecting

Magnetic Test

Tungsten is not magnetic. So if a magnet is kept close to the metal, it will not attract the metal piece.

Conductivity Test

Tungsten also has a very low electrical and thermal conductivity compared to other popular metals. If a conductivity test is performed, the outcome of tungsten will most probably be negative. 

Acid Test

Tungsten is very resistant to acids and therefore it does not react with acids at all. Apply a small amount of nitric acid or hydrochloric acid to the metal. 

If the acid does not react or has a very small and slow reaction, it is likely to be tungsten. 

Do not depend on one test to determine whether the metal is tungsten. Perform a few tests in order to confirm. 

Professional help can also be taken in order to verify the metal through accurate identification.

Tip for detecting tungsten
Tip for detecting tungsten

How Deep Can A Metal Detector Detect Tungsten?

As mentioned earlier, tungsten is relatively dense and it has a very low conductivity. 

So it can be quite challenging to detect this metal. But it can still be detected if the object is large and located close to the surface.

The depth therefore depends on many factors including size, density, orientation and composition of the metal. 

It also depends on the type and the sensitivity of the metal detector. 

Different detectors have different capabilities. If you want to find tungsten at a shallow depth, a low-frequency VLF(very low frequency) detector can be used. 

When the objects are lying at depths, a high-frequency PI (pulse induction) metal detector that can penetrate deeper into the ground can be used. 

A high-quality detector with advanced features such as multiple frequencies, target ID, discrimination, ground balance, and audio outputs can detect tungsten objects at a depth of several inches. 

With these detectors, larger objects that lie below at a depth of foot or more can also be found. 

If you’re interested in detection depths, read, How Deep Can a Metal Detector Detect?

How to detect tungsten with a metal detector
How to detect tungsten with a metal detector

Valuable Tungsten Finds

Tungsten doesn’t have a long history as a popular metal. It came to the market in the last century for industrial purposes and military technology. 

But there are some tungsten objects that still can be considered valuable.

The filaments of old bulbs are a good finding since the first tungsten filaments were used in 1904. 

This was used due to the higher melting point, low rate of evaporation and low chemical reaction. 

Many tungsten bulbs that are vintage and antique from the early 20th century are still valuable as they are collected by collectors. 

Some of these bulbs can go up to thousands of dollars especially if they are still working and in good condition.

Old valuable cutting tools are another good finding of tungsten. 

Tungsten carbide, which is extremely hard, durable, and resistant, is used in manufacturing cutting machines. 

Also, this metal was used in aircraft components, machinery, and engines. 

These are now rare and hardly found. These are now demanding among collectors and museums because they find this important in showing the progress in technology and innovation.

Tungsten military item found when metal detecting
Tungsten military item found when metal detecting

There are some tungsten-based artifacts that are valuable from the history of the military. 

Most of them are from the World War II era. Tungsten was used widely for bullets and shells. 

Some of these have become popular among collectors as they are rare, have a unique design and for their historical significance. 

Tungsten-made objects have value to them as they are relatively rare because most of them are no longer being produced. 

This is why the leftover objects have s significant value and are popular among enthusiasts and historians.

Tungsten artifact found from historic ground
Tungsten artifact found from historic ground

How To Clean Tungsten Finds?

Cleaning tungsten finds can be a delicate process. 

There are some steps that can be followed in order to clean tungsten while protecting it.

1. Identify the Tungsten Object Type

Before cleaning, it is very important to find what type of object it is. 

The age, composition, and condition of the object should be well-identified. 

If the object is valuable, rare, or delicate it is best recommended to go for a professional metal conservator. 

2. Use a Mild Cleansing Solution 

To clean tungsten-based objects in general, a mild cleansing solution can be used. 

Dish soap and warm water mix is the best recommendation. 

Soak the object for a minute or two in the solution. Use a very soft bristle brush to rub it. Scrub away the debris and dirt. 

Don’t use any chemical-based solutions or cleaners. 

3. Electrolyte Cleaning

This method can be used to remove rust, corrosion, or any other type of surface buildup. 

Here, the artifact is immersed in a bath of electrolyte cleaning solution and an electric current is passed through the solution.

The electric charge detaches the buildups from the tungsten and floats them away. This method is useful in cleaning old rusted tools or machinery.

4. Professional Cleaning 

If the artifact is rare, valuable, or delicate, it is highly suggested to meet a professional conservator to come up with the best cleaning method. 

They have specialized equipment that is used to clean and preserve these metals.

Tungsten coin found from ground

How To Preserve Tungsten Finds?

In order to preserve tungsten finds that are valuable, some effective ways are there. 

But it is important to consider that these steps should not damage any of the objects.

1. Store the Tungsten Findings in a Safe Place 

Keep the findings in a location that is away from humidity, moisture and extreme temperatures. 

The place also should be safe from damage. A soft pouch or a box will do the job. 

2. Protect from Direct Sunlight 

Direct sunlight can fade and damage objects over time. So avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or heat. Store them in a cool and dry place. 

3. Regular Cleaning 

Cleaning the tungsten finds regularly will help the maintenance of appearance and prevention from corrosion. Use a soft cloth with a mild cleanser to clean them. 

4. Use Safe Handling Techniques 

When handling these objects, make sure to use proper techniques like using gloves to avoid oil, sweat or other contaminants from getting on the surface. 

Do not touch them with bare hands. 

5. Avoid Exposure to Chemicals 

Tungsten artifacts should not be exposed to concentrated chemicals and harsh cleaning agents as they can cause severe damage to the surface. 

Do not use ammonia or bleach to clean them.

Tungsten finds that can be found when metal detecting
Tungsten finds that can be found when metal detecting

Tips For Using Metal Detectors To Find Tungsten 

Metal detectors are useful in finding metals including tungsten. There are a few tips that can be followed to increase the successful chances of finding an object. 

Choose a metal detector that is suitable for tungsten detection and giving accurate results. 

Because different metal detectors come with different capabilities and sensitivity levels to different metal types. 

A high sensitivity-based metal detector would work well in finding tungsten.

Tungsten is common around mining areas, abandoned buildings, and places that have tungsten ores. 

Read to know the Best Places to Find Tungsten when Metal Detecting!

Research the places and find accurate spots in order to make the search more efficient. 

Choose an appropriate search coil that can be used to accurately search the metal. 

A large coil can find tungsten at a greater depth while a smaller coil is more effective in detecting shallow areas. 

Tungsten has a unique conductivity. 

Therefore it will produce a specific signal with a metal detector. 

Learn how to exactly identify these signals using the discrimination feature of the metal detector. 

  • Use headphones to identify the signals clearly. 

Does Tungsten Set Off Metal Detectors At The Airport?

Generally, tungsten is not detected by standard airport metal detectors. This is because tungsten is not a magnetic metal. So it is less likely to be detected.

Most of airport detectors function by using the electromagnetic induction principle. This is only effective on magnetic metals like iron or cobalt. 

Tungsten, which is a nonmagnetic metal, might not be detected by these detectors. 

But this also depends on the size of the object: large tungsten objects sometimes can set off detectors while small objects like jewelry cannot set off detectors.

But some airports may also have advanced scanning systems such as full body scanners and x-ray scanners that are able to detect non-magnetic metals. 

If you are planning to transport large quantities of tungsten, it is always recommended to check with the airport security personnel regarding their policies on metal transportation.  

Congrats folks! Now you know can metal detectors detect tungsten with the correct detection procedure for accurate results.

Tip for detecting tungsten treasures
Tip for detecting tungsten treasures

China was the world’s largest producer of tungsten, accounting for over 80% of global tungsten mine production. This dominance in production has raised concerns about the global supply chain of tungsten, given its critical uses in various industries.

finance.yahoo.com

So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

FAQs

How does tungsten’s conductivity compare to other metals?

While tungsten possesses electrical conductivity, it is relatively lower than that of gold. This difference can make it challenging to detect tungsten, especially if it’s mixed with other metals.

Are standard metal detectors efficient in detecting tungsten?

Standard metal detectors might struggle with tungsten detection. For optimal results, it’s recommended to use specialized detectors sensitive to low-conductivity metals like tungsten.

Is tungsten a ferrous metal?

No, tungsten is a non-ferrous metal, meaning it has low magnetic properties. However, modern metal detectors with advanced technology can still identify non-ferrous metals like tungsten.

Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Can Metal Detectors Detect Tungsten?

In this article, I’ve deeply discussed can metal detectors detect tungsten, how to detect tungsten treasures and I’ve shared my personal experiences with all the tips and tricks.

Metal detectors have the ability to detect tungsten. Tungsten has a fairly high electrical conductivity. This is able to react well with the electromagnetic field of the metal detector. With the right settings of the detector, tungsten can be easily detected.

Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.

Hope you’ve learned all you wanted to know about detecting tungsten items from the ground with the correct procedure without messing things up.

So, let’s start your tungsten metal hunting journey with the things you learned. Keep practicing to become a pro at this game!

Hi! I’m the treasure hunter and adventurer behind DetectingTreasures.com. I'm here to share my knowledge, inspire your adventures, and provide practical guides to help you succeed in your own treasure hunting journey. Read More...

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