A rare inert gas, neon is colourless in its natural state but glows reddish orange when an electric current runs through it. It is found in the atmosphere to a small extent, but is also extracted as a byproduct from the liquefaction and separation of liquid air. It is the second-lightest noble gas, and its name derives from the Greek
Its atomic number is 10, and its element symbol is Ne. It is a member of the noble gases group (Group 18), alongside argon, krypton, xenon and radon. It is an inert gas and does not form compounds with other elements, but it can form unstable ions and weak bonds with ligands under certain conditions. It can also crystallise in the presence of high pressure and low temperatures.
Neon is odourless and tasteless, but it can be toxic to breathe in large doses. Inhalation may cause asphyxiation if there is not enough oxygen available to compensate.
When used sparingly, neon adds a punchy, tech-forward aesthetic to designs. Pairing it with geometric shapes and illustrations enhances this style, but be careful not to overdo it; the intense brightness can fatigue the eye. Instead, use neon to draw attention to key data points and short text. Avoid using it for body paragraphs or longer sections of text; its intensity can distract the viewer and reduce readability.