An improved tungsten filament is disclosed containing approximately 1-2 percent by weight thoria particles distributed in the tungsten matrix as a dispersed phase. The thoria particles are distributed in the tungsten matrix to provide a slight but uniform compositional gradient which diminishes continuously with increasing distance from the exterior surface of the filament to the longitudinal central axis. Upon recrystallization of the filament or wire product there is also formed a tungsten grain structure having a more uniform size and shape of the individual tungsten grains than can be obtained by conventional powder metallurgy preparation.