The $X(3872)$, whose mass coincides with the $D^0\bar{D}^{*0}$ threshold, is the most extended hadron object. Since its discovery in 2003, debates have never stopped regarding its internal structure. We propose a new object, the X atom, which is the $D^\pm D^{*\mp}$ composite system with positive charge parity and a mass of $(3879.89\pm0.07)$~MeV, formed mainly due to the Coulomb force. We show that a null signal of the X atom can be used to put a lower limit on the binding energy of the $X(3872)$. From the current knowledge of the $X(3872)$ properties, the production rate for the X atom relative to the $X(3872)$ in $B$ decays and at hadron colliders should be at least $1\times10^{-3}$. New insights into the $X(3872)$ will be obtained through studying the X atom.