What is Neon?

Neon (pronounced NEE-on) is the name of an element that glows reddish orange when passed an electric current. It was discovered by William Ramsay and Morris Travers in 1898, during studies of liquefied air. It gets its name from the Greek word for new, neos.

It is nonflammable, noncombustible and nontoxic. It can asphyxiate, however, if very cold liquid gas comes into contact with water. It is also sensitive to vibrations.

When used sparingly, neon is an effective color for highlighting data points in graphs and charts. Its intense, artificial look draws the eye to important information and can help users navigate a complicated visual display. Neon can also be used to create a dynamic, energy-infused style in logos and brand identity, particularly when combined with geometric shapes that complement its tech-forward aesthetic.

A wide range of fluorescent and ultra-bright colors are often used to imitate the effect of neon. In print, neon hues are typically produced with spot colors rather than CMYK blends, as the process of layering colors muddies the result. Neon colors are more commonly found in digital design, where the use of light-emitting RGB color models allows for better reproduction of neon effects.

The noble gases helium, krypton and xenon can produce similar glowing colors to neon, but their higher production costs make them less attractive for use in commercial signage. Other elements such as argon can produce neon-like colours, but a hot red discharge isn’t feasible due to its radioactivity.