Tungsten carbide is a dense, metal-like substance, light gray with a bluish tinge, that decomposes, rather than melts, at 2,600º C (4,700º F). Tungsten carbide has very high strength for a material so hard and rigid.
Tungsten (IV) carbide is a chemical compound (specifically, a carbide) containing equal parts of tungsten and carbon atoms. In its most basic form, tungsten carbide is a fine gray powder, but it can be pressed and formed into shapes through a process called sintering for use in industrial machinery, cutting tools, abrasives, armor-piercing shells and jewellery.