néon

Neon is a chemical element with the symbol Ne and atomic number 10. It is a noble gas: colorless, odorless, and highly unreactive under normal conditions. In Earth’s atmosphere, neon accounts for about 0.0018% by volume, making it a trace component. The name comes from the Greek neos, meaning new.

Neon was discovered in 1898 by Sir William Ramsay and Morris W. Travers during the liquefaction and separation of components of air. The name was chosen to reflect its status as a new, inert gas. Neon belongs to the group of noble gases, known for their low reactivity and stable electron configuration.

Physically, neon remains a gas at room temperature with a boiling point around −246 °C. It is chemically inert, forming few compounds. When energized by an electric current in a discharge tube, neon emits a characteristic bright orange‑red glow. The most prominent emission lines occur near 585.25 and 640.2 nanometers, which underpin its use in signage and decorative lighting.

Industrial production of neon is achieved by fractional distillation of liquid air. The main commercial use of neon is in signs and lighting, where electric discharge excites neon atoms to produce their distinctive glow. Neon is also employed in some high‑voltage indicators and specialized lighting applications. As a noble gas, neon is inert and non-toxic, though like any gas, it can displace oxygen in enclosed spaces if released in large amounts.