Titanium is a strong, lightweight metal that doesn't rust or corrode easily, making it perfect for situations where materials need to be both tough and long-lasting. Engineers use titanium to build parts for jet engines and spacecraft because it can withstand extreme heat and stress without adding unnecessary weight. Surgeons use titanium for artificial joints and dental implants because the human body usually accepts it without rejection, and it will not corrode inside you.

The metal has a distinctive silvery-gray appearance and comes from minerals such as rutile, found in rocks and sand around the world. Despite being as strong as steel, titanium weighs about 45% less, which explains why it's valuable for anything that needs to be both durable and light, from bicycle frames to submarine hulls.

The name comes from the Titans of Greek mythology, the powerful giants who came before the Olympian gods. Scientists who discovered the metal in 1791 thought the name fit perfectly for such a remarkably strong material. When people describe something as titanium-strong or say someone has a titanium will, they're using the metal's reputation for being nearly indestructible as a metaphor for exceptional strength or determination.