Like all elements, this one is composed of atoms, the basic building blocks of matter. Each atom's nucleus, or center, is packed with positively charged protons and neutrally charged neutrons. Outside the nucleus swirl negatively charged electrons. The mystery element has 22 protons in its nucleus

This element exists in nature not as a pure element, like gold or sulfur, but as an ore, a mineral compound that contains two or more elements. Ores are mined for industrial uses. The mystery element is extracted from a shiny reddish-brown ore called rutile

Combined with the metallic element nickel (NI), the mystery element forms an alloy called nitinol. An alloy is a human-made metal forged from two or more natural metals, like iron and copper. Some hi-tech braces are made of nitinol because it has "shape memory": The metal slowly springs back to its original form when bent

magnesium is the ninth most abundant in the universe by mass, and flourine is the ninth on periodic table (stable)isotope