The metal is silvery white, very hard, but is softer and more ductile than tungsten. It has a high elastic modulus, and only tungsten and tantalum, of the more readily available metals, have higher melting points. It is a valuable alloying agent, as it contributes to the hardenability and toughness of quenched and tempered steels. It also improves the strength of steel at high temperatures.
Melting point: 2623 °C Boiling point: 4639 °C
A foil is a thin sheet of pure metal. Given its fragile nature, some foils have protective coatings.
