Neon, a noble gas with the atomic number 10, is one of the most iconic and widely recognized elements on the periodic table—famous not for its chemical reactivity, but for its glowing allure. First discovered in 1898 by Sir William Ramsay and Morris Travers, neon derives its name from the Greek word neos, meaning “new.”
Despite being the fifth most abundant element in the universe, neon is relatively rare on Earth, extracted primarily through the fractional distillation of liquid air. It is colorless, odorless, and inert under standard conditions, making it stable and non-toxic.
Neon lights, used in signs and advertising, are perhaps the most well-known application of the gas. When electricity passes through neon gas in a sealed glass tube, it emits a brilliant red-orange glow. This phenomenon sparked the revolution of bright city signage in the 20th century and continues to be a staple in urban design, art installations, and commercial branding today.
Beyond signage, neon is also used in high-voltage indicators, vacuum tubes, lightning arresters, and even cryogenics due to its low boiling point.
As technology evolves, the aesthetic and scientific appeal of neon remains timeless—making it a shining example of how one element can illuminate both science and society.