This mystery element has a reputation for being tough. That's because when combined with other elements, it forms strong,

durable compounds. Some are nearly as hard as diamonds-the

hardest material on Earth. But in its pure form, the grayish-

white transition metal is soft enough to cut with a saw. Most

of the mystery element- about 75 percent-comes from

China. There are also large deposits in Canada, Russia, and the

U. S.