The element used in the production of matches is sulfur. Sulfur is used in the match head, which ignites when struck against a rough surface. When sulfur is mixed with an oxidizing agent and a fuel, such as powdered glass and potassium chlorate, it forms a highly flammable mixture that is ignited by the friction of striking the match. The sulfur helps to ignite the match by lowering the temperature at which the mixture will ignite.