Neon is a colorless, odorless noble gas that glows reddish orange when subjected to an electric discharge. It is a minor component of Earth’s atmosphere and was discovered in 1898 by two British chemists. It is the fourth most abundant element in the universe but only makes up about 0.0018% of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Unlike other noble gases, neon does not form compounds with any other elements. However, it does share a chemical bond with fluorine which can give it the same glow that you see in classic neon signs.
This colorless, odorless noble gas is produced by fractional distillation of liquid air. It has a typical density of 0.9g/cm3 and is very inert under normal conditions. When subjected to an alternating current, however, it emits a glowing red/orange light that is used for a wide variety of purposes, including in neon advertising signs that are so popular around the world.
Georges Claude invented the first glass neon tubes in 1910, and his work was responsible for the brightly lit, iconic neon signage we all know and love. When a few thousand volts are applied to the neon, it separates its atoms into positive and negative electrodes and, when these atoms collide with each other, they create the visible light.
Neon is a relatively rare element on Earth but it is very common in stars and is created during nuclear fusion within large mass stars as they reach the high-energy stages of their lives. Neon is also found in planet-forming disks and helps astronomers study the process of how stars and their planets form. Neon gets its name from the Greek word neos meaning “new”.
National Geographic Craft Kits for Kids - Crystal Growing Kit - Grow a Crystal Garden in Just 6 Hours, Educational Craft Includes Art Project, Geode, STEM Arts and Crafts for Girls (Amazon Exclusive)
$15.88 (as of December 25, 2025 17:35 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Science Kits for Kids Age 8-12 12-14, STEM Kits for Kids Age 8-10, STEM Toys Build Your Own FM Radio Kit, DIY Electronic Snap Circuits Projects Gifts for Teen Girls Boys 9 11 13 15 16+ (Classic Wood)
$9.99 (as of December 25, 2025 17:35 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
National Geographic Ultimate Volcano Kit – Erupting Volcano Science Kit for Kids, 3X More Eruptions, Pop Crystals Create Exciting Sounds, STEM Science & Educational Toys (Amazon Exclusive)
$17.99 (as of December 25, 2025 17:35 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Doctor Jupiter Girls’ First Science Kit for Kids Ages 4-5-6-7-8 | Christmas, Birthday Gift Ideas for 4+ Year Old Girls | STEM Toy Kit with 50+ Experiments | Learning & Educational Projects
$24.99 (as of December 25, 2025 17:35 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
STEM Kits for Kids Crafts 6-8 8-12, Boys Gifts Toys for 6 7 8 Year Old Boy Birthday Gift Ideas, STEM Toys Crafts 6+ 7+ yr, Robotics Science Kits Activities Robot Building Age 8-10 9 10 11 12 13 14
$21.99 (as of December 25, 2025 17:35 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
UNGLINGA 70 Lab Experiments Science Kits for Kids Educational Scientist Toys Birthday Gifts Idea for Girls Boys, Chemistry Set, Erupting Volcano, Fruit Circuits, S.T.E.M Activities Science Project
$21.99 (as of December 25, 2025 17:35 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Doctor Jupiter My First Science Kit for Kids Ages 4-5-6-7-8 | Christmas, Birthday Gift Ideas for 4+ Year Old Boys & Girls | Toy Stem Kit with 50+ Experiments | Learning & Educational Projects
$24.99 (as of December 25, 2025 17:35 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
National Geographic Rock Collection Box for Kids – 300+ Piece Gemstones and Crystals Set Includes Geodes and Real Crystals, Rocks and Minerals, Science Kit for Kids, A Geology Gift for Boys and Girls
$14.98 (as of December 25, 2025 17:35 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Mega Gemstone Dig Kit – Dig Up 15 Real Gemstones and Crystals, Science Kit for Kids, Gem Digging Kit, Gift for Girls and Boys, Mining Kit, Rock Collection
$24.99 (as of December 25, 2025 17:35 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)