The rare gases family is composed of Neon, Krypton and Xenon. These gases have considerable chemical inertia which is why they are sometimes called noble gases or inert gases. While present in minimal quantities in the atmosphere, these gases cannot be generated indefinitely. However, with the exception of radon, they find various applications in industries such as electronics, aerospace, metallurgy and more.
Neon
Neon (Ne) is a colorless, odorless, and inert gas that is most commonly known for its use in lighting and advertising signs. It is a rare gas that makes up approximately 0.0018% of the Earth’s atmosphere. Neon was first discovered in 1898 by Sir William Ramsay and Morris Travers through the study of liquefied air.
Xenon
Xenon is a rare noble gas that makes up less than 0.00001% of the Earth’s atmosphere. While some Xenon sources come from mineral springs, they can also be commercially produced as a by-product from an air separation unit (ASU) plant. The unique properties of Xenon make it useful in various applications across industries.
