What is Neon?

Neon is a chemical element with the symbol Ne and atomic number 10. It is a colorless, odorless gas under normal conditions that is highly inert. It is one of the noble gases. Unlike most other elements, neon has a full outer electron shell, so it does not react with other atoms and is not a metal.

It is the second lightest noble gas and has a low density, about two-thirds that of air. It is a member of the noble gas family, which also includes argon, krypton and xenon. It is found in microscopic amounts in Earth’s atmosphere. It is produced by fractional distillation of liquid air and is used in illuminated signs. Neon was first discovered in gas form in 1898 by William Ramsay and Morris Travers, who found that it glows inside sealed tubes when an electrical discharge passes through them. Then Georges Claude invented the first neon sign in 1910.

Today, most of the neon in use is produced by combining it with argon in gas-discharge tubes (or cold cathode fluorescent lamps, or CCFLs). Neon is used for its bright, eye-catching colors and its ability to be bent into many different shapes. It is also considered safer than other types of lighting. Neon is not toxic, but it can be inhaled and may cause a loss of consciousness.

If you’re thinking about creating a neon color scheme, it’s important to understand your project’s needs and goals. This step involves analyzing what emotions you want to stir, who your audience is and how the color scheme will align with your theme or brand. Then you can begin to experiment with different combinations. For example, you can try a palette that pairs cool blues with greens for a modern and tech-savvy look. Or you can go with a vibrant pink and teal color scheme that conveys creativity and innovation, like the one used by Zendesk in their marketing materials.