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.