Neon is an element that is made in many stars. It's quite common in the universe, yet is rare on earth. Since it usually exists as a monoatomic gas, neon can escape the atmosphere.
Ten facts on Neon:
- Neon is the fourth most abundant element in the universe.
- Neon's occurrence in the Earth's atmosphere is 0.0018%.
- The word 'Neon' comes from the Greek word neos, which means "new one".
- It is the 2nd lightest inert gas after helium.
- Neon is tasteless and odorless.
- When excited electrically, neon gives off a bright red color, but the gas itself is colorless.
- Neon is used to make advertising signs, high-voltage indicators, wavemeter tubes, television tubes and lightning arrestors. When liquefied, Neon is used as a cryogenic refrigerant.
- While plastic and other materials have been used to contain Neon gas, the only material that can hold the gas, but let light escape is glass.
- Neon is used in signs for a bright reddish orange light. All other colors are due to other noble gases or fluorescent lighting.
- Neon is completely non-toxic and chemically inert, so it poses no threat to the environment.
