Wolframite

Wolframite is a metal ore used primarily as a source of Tungsten. It appears naturally in world generation, including in Large Glaciers where it is embedded in the glacier alongside Ice and Polluted Ice, and in the Metallic Caves trait for Spaced Out planetoids. It can also be harvested from renewable space POIs in the Glimmering Asteroid Fields, at a rate of 180 kg to 540 kg per cycle.

Its main value is as feedstock for Tungsten production. A Metal Refinery converts Wolframite into Tungsten at 100% efficiency, while a Rock Crusher converts 100 kg Wolframite into 50 kg Tungsten plus 50 kg Sand. Smooth Hatches can eat Wolframite and produce Tungsten at about 75% efficiency, while Stone Hatches eat it and excrete Coal. Because Stone Hatch consumption also increases the chance of Smooth Hatch eggs, Wolframite can technically be used as critter food, but this is generally wasteful.

Wolframite has the highest melting point and the second-highest Thermal Conductivity among Metal Ores, which makes it useful for heat-transfer setups, especially with Radiant Gas Pipes. Aluminum Ore performs better below Wolframite's melting point, but Wolframite remains notable for having the highest possible melting point of any Radiant Gas Pipe material, even higher than Thermium. It can also substitute for Raw Mineral in Liquid Pipes and Insulated Liquid Pipes, giving Wolframite-based liquid piping the best thermal conductivity among pipes that do not require Refined Metal.

• Wolframite is scarce enough that it is best reserved for Tungsten production, especially in the late game.
• Converting Wolframite in a Metal Refinery is the most efficient use.
• The Rock Crusher is a poor choice unless Sand output is specifically desired.
• Feeding it to hatches is usually a last resort, since that consumes a limited resource for comparatively low return.