The story of tungsten (symbol W)

🧪 The story of tungsten (symbol W) is a fascinating blend of scientific discovery and linguistic legacy.

🇪🇸 Spanish Discovery vs 🇩🇪 German Naming

• Spanish scientists like Fausto and Juan José Elhuyar were the first to isolate tungsten in 1783 from the mineral wolframite.

• However, the name “wolfram” comes from German origins, specifically the word “wolf rahm”, meaning “wolf’s foam.” This was a nickname German smelters gave to the mineral because it interfered with tin smelting—like a wolf devouring the tin.

🧬 Why the Symbol is “W”

• The element was named “tungsten” (meaning “heavy stone” in Swedish) in many countries.

• But the chemical symbol W honors its German name “Wolfram”, which was widely used in Europe at the time the periodic table was being standardized.

So, even though the Spanish scientists discovered it, the German name stuck in scientific circles—especially in the periodic table. It’s a great example of how science and language intertwine across cultures!