A chain element (2), in particular a chain pin (4), for joining at least two chain links (3), characterized in that it comprises a surface layer (5) containing boron and vanadium, formed by at least one step of diffusing boron and vanadium in the areas of the chain element (2) which are close to the surface. The surface layer (5) containing boron and vanadium is formed by boriding and subsequently vanadizing a substrate material having a carbon content of 0.60 wt.-% to 1.0 wt.-%.