Metals are present in many materials, from the coins in our pockets to the parts used to create the buildings we work and live in. While people often consider all metals strong and hard, some metals rise above others. Learn about the four strongest and hardest metals in the world.

Mohs Hardness Scale

The Mohs Hardness Scale refers to how one object resists penetration and permanent deformation from another. It’s typically used for measuring the hardness of minerals, but it can be applied to other materials, such as metal.

Mohs ratings range from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the hardest. A fingernail is rated 2.0 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale; glass is 5.5; a knife blade is between 5.0 and 6.5; and a diamond is a 10 on the scale.

1. Chromium

Chromium is the strongest and hardest metal in the world, rating 8.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Chromium is used to produce stainless steel to improve the material’s hardness and corrosion resistance. Stainless steel contains at least 11 percent chromium.

Different Types of Steel

Steel is an alloy of carbon and iron, and smiths treat steel to improve properties like strength. Hardened steel has a Mohs rating between 7 and 8, while softer steel has a rating as low as 4. Another interesting thing to know about hardened steel is that only steel with a medium or high carbon rating can undergo the hardening process.

2. Vanadium

Vanadium is a transition metal often found in coal and oil deposits. It has a Mohs hardness rating of 7, which means it is harder than most steels.

Vanadium is commonly used to produce high-strength steel alloys. The aerospace and defense industries use vanadium extensively.

3. Tungsten

Tungsten is a very rare heavy metal with the highest melting point of all metals and the second-highest melting point of any element, second only to carbon. It has a Mohs hardness rating of 7.5 to 7.6.

Tungsten is typically used in high-speed steel, cutting tools, and electrical contacts. Tungsten alloys are also used in X-ray tubes, radiation shields, and lightbulb filaments.

4. Osmium

Osmium is a dense, bluish-gray metal with the highest density of any naturally occurring element. It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making it one of the hardest metals.

It’s difficult to machine solid osmium because it has a high melting point and is very brittle. Osmium is primarily used in alloys with other metals, such as platinum, to improve their resistance to wear and tear.

Image By: Björn Wylezich – Adobe Image License: 328906704 

Image Description: A bluish grayish white crystalized metal displayed on a white background.