1. A resistance variable element comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode; and a resistance variable layer provided between the first electrode and the second electrode to be electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein: the resistance variable layer contains a material having a spinel structure represented by a chemical formula of (Zn x Fe 1-x )Fe 2 O 4 ; and the resistance variable element has a feature that an electrical resistance between the first electrode and the second electrode decreases by applying a first voltage pulse having a First voltage to between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the electrical resistance between the first electrode and the second electrode increases by applying a second voltage pulse having a second voltage whose polarity is the same as the first voltage to between the first electrode and the second electrode.