Ammonium Paratungstate (APT): The Hidden Material That Controls Tungsten Prices Worldwide
What Is Ammonium Paratungstate (APT)?
Ammonium Paratungstate (APT) is a high-purity white crystalline powder that acts as the main industrial intermediate of tungsten.
In simple terms: Almost every tungsten product in the world passes through APT before becoming useful.
Whether it is:
- tungsten carbide cutting tools
- tungsten metal powder
- heavy alloys
- catalysts
APT is the starting chemical form.
More than 75% of global tungsten production is first converted into ammonium paratungstate.
Why APT Matters More Than Tungsten Metal Itself
Most people track tungsten prices, but industry insiders track APT prices.
Why?
Because:
- Tungsten ore is not usable directly
- Scrap must be chemically refined
- Purity, grain structure, and recovery all begin at APT
If APT supply tightens →
✔ tungsten powder prices rise
✔ carbide tool costs increase
✔ scrap buying margins change
APT is the control point of the tungsten supply chain.
How Ammonium Paratungstate Is Made (Simple Explanation)
APT is produced from:
- tungsten ore concentrates or
- recycled tungsten / carbide scrap
Basic process:
- Tungsten is dissolved into solution
- Impurities are removed step by step
- The solution is concentrated
- APT crystals form and settle out
APT is designed to be low-solubility, which allows:
- impurities to stay in liquid
- pure APT crystals to separate
This is why APT purity can reach 99.9%+.
The Hidden Chemistry That Makes APT Special
APT looks simple. Its structure is not.
Each APT molecule contains:
- 12 tungsten atoms
- 42 oxygen atoms
- hydrogen atoms trapped inside a cage-like structure
This complex structure allows:
- controlled thermal breakdown
- predictable oxide formation
- consistent metal powder quality
This is also why very few countries can produce high-quality APT at scale.
Why APT Is Heated and Broken Down on Purpose
APT is never used directly.
It is heated to around 600°C to form tungsten oxides:
- Yellow Tungsten Oxide (YTO)
- Blue Tungsten Oxide (BTO)
Important detail:
The oxide keeps the same external shape as the original APT crystal. This is called pseudomorphism.
Why it matters:
- creates internal porosity
- allows hydrogen gas to pass easily
- results in high-quality tungsten powder
This step decides:
✔ powder strength
✔ carbide grain size
✔ final tool life
APT vs AMT: A Common Confusion
Many people confuse:
- Ammonium Paratungstate (APT)
- Ammonium Metatungstate (AMT)
Key difference:
- APT → low solubility → powder & metal route
- AMT → high solubility → catalyst route
AMT is produced from APT, not separately. Both are important, but APT always comes first.
Real Indian Example: Carbide Tool Manufacturing
A carbide tool manufacturer in Pune, Bengaluru, or Coimbatore depends on:
- tungsten powder consistency
- carbide grain structure
- predictable tool life
All of this traces back to:
APT quality and decomposition control
Poor-quality APT leads to:
- uneven powder
- weak carbide bonding
- higher rejection rates
This is why serious manufacturers care about source and refining quality, not just price.
Real Indian Example: Tungsten Scrap Buying & Recycling
A tungsten carbide scrap seller in Ghaziabad, Ludhiana, or Ahmedabad often asks:
“Why does my scrap price change so much?”
The answer lies in:
- recovery percentage
- impurity levels
- ability to convert scrap back into APT
Scrap that can be refined into high-purity APT commands better value in the global system.
Why APT Prices Suddenly Spike or Crash
In 2025, ammonium paratungstate prices rose sharply.
Main reasons:
- China controls ~83% of global tungsten mining
- Export controls tightened
- Defence stockpiling increased globally
Because nearly all tungsten flows through APT:
Control APT = control tungsten supply
This is why APT is considered a strategic material, not just a chemical.
What This Means for Scrap Sellers, Buyers & Manufacturers
If you deal with tungsten in any form, APT knowledge helps you:
- understand real pricing logic
- avoid low-grade buyers or sellers
- protect margins
- plan procurement better
This is especially important in India, where:
- scrap quality varies widely
- price transparency is low
- global factors affect local rates
Why We Talk About APT at Carbide Scrap Buyers
At Carbide Scrap Buyers, we don’t just quote prices.
We understand:
- how scrap converts back into value
- what refiners actually look for
- how global tungsten supply works
That’s why our evaluations are based on recovery economics, not guesswork.
Final Takeaway
Ammonium Paratungstate may look like a simple white powder.
But it is:
- the backbone of tungsten processing
- the reason prices move
- the gatekeeper of quality
If you understand APT, you understand where tungsten value is really created.
Want to Understand Why Prices Move?
Most scrap buyers quote rates.
We explain where tungsten value actually comes from.
Download our practical guide on Ammonium Paratungstate (APT) and tungsten recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ammonium Paratungstate (APT)
Q- What is ammonium paratungstate (APT) used for?
Ammonium paratungstate is used as the main intermediate material in tungsten processing. It is converted into tungsten oxides, tungsten metal powder, tungsten carbide, heavy alloys, and catalysts.
Q- Why is APT important in the tungsten industry?
APT is important because more than 75% of global tungsten production passes through it. The purity and quality of APT directly affect tungsten powder quality, carbide tool performance, and final product life.
Q- Is APT the same as tungsten metal?
No. APT is not tungsten metal. It is a chemical compound used as a starting material to produce tungsten oxides, tungsten powder, and tungsten carbide.
Q- What is the difference between APT and AMT?
APT (Ammonium Paratungstate) has low water solubility and is mainly used for powder and metal production.
AMT (Ammonium Metatungstate) is highly water-soluble and is mainly used in catalyst manufacturing.
AMT is produced from APT.
Q- How does APT affect tungsten carbide scrap prices?
The value of tungsten carbide scrap depends on how efficiently it can be refined back into high-purity intermediates like APT. Scrap with higher recovery and lower impurities generally has better value.
Q- Why do APT prices change suddenly?
APT prices can change due to:
- export restrictions
- supply shortages
- changes in mining output
- defence and industrial demand
Since most tungsten flows through APT, supply disruptions directly impact prices.
Q- Can tungsten scrap be converted back into APT?
Yes. High-quality tungsten and carbide scrap can be chemically processed and refined back into APT, allowing it to re-enter the global tungsten supply chain.
Q- Does Carbide Scrap Buyers sell APT?
No. Carbide Scrap Buyers does not sell APT.
We buy tungsten and carbide scrap and evaluate material based on recovery, purity, and downstream refining economics.
Q- Is the price information on this website a fixed offer?
No. All price references are indicative and for informational purposes only.
Actual prices depend on material quality, quantity, location, and market conditions at the time of evaluation.
Read Related Topics
Check Scrap Prices