Which element has the highest melting point?

The story behind the answer

Carbon has the highest temperature at which it changes phase because its atoms form an extensive covalent network (diamond/graphite) with extremely strong C–C bonds. At normal pressure carbon doesn’t melt—it sublimates—around 3900–4300 K, a higher temperature than tungsten’s record metal melting point (3422°C). Under very high pressures, diamond does melt, still above tungsten.

This is why graphite is used in arc furnaces and high-temperature crucibles, while tungsten is chosen for the highest-temperature metal uses (like old light-bulb filaments). Osmium and platinum melt at much lower temperatures. Memory tip: Carbon’s Covalent Cage Keeps its Cool—C for Carbon, C for Covalent, C for “keeps” heat better than any metal.