Tungsten Carbide is an inorganic chemical compound which contains equal numbers of tungsten and carbon atoms. It is sometimes colloquially referred to as simply “carbide.” In its most basic form, it is a fine gray powder, but it can be pressed and formed into shapes for use in industrial machinery, tools, abrasives, as well as men's jewelry.

The notable and rare combination of physical properties possessed by tungsten carbide makes it useful for a variety of applications. It is extremely strong and wear-resistant. There are only a few materials on earth that can be used to cut or engrave tungsten carbide, with industrial diamond abrasives being one of these. Its tensile strength is very high, but it is brittle under high pressures as a result. The melting point of tungsten carbide is also very high, at 5,200 degrees Fahrenheit (2,870 degrees C). To boil, it must be heated much further, to an astronomical 10,382 degrees Fahrenheit (6000 degrees C).

Tungsten carbide can be made by reacting tungsten and carbon at temperatures of around 2552 to 3632 degrees Fahrenheit (1400 to 2000 degrees C).

Several common consumer goods contain tungsten carbide, including razor blades and the rotating tips of ballpoint pens. It has also become increasingly common for tungsten carbide to be used in men's wedding bands. When used in this way, the bands have a dark hue that can be polished to a mirror-like shine. Due to the toughness of the material, these rings will remain shiny and scratch-free for decades.