Krypton, an element made famous by comic-book protagonists, is far more inert than mythology might suggest.
Indeed, although used to a lesser extent than its sister noble gases, krypton has many domestic uses which make it an invaluable product in modern day-to-day life.
As a member of the rare gases family, krypton occurs in small amounts within the air. In fact the atmosphere contains only 1.14 parts per 106 by volume. Similarly, it shares archetypal noble gas properties; it is monatomic, colourless, odourless, tasteless and non-toxic.
Furthermore the gas, which is three times heavier than air, was first discovered in the same era as many other rare gases when in 1989 Sir William Ramsay and Morris Travers came across the element while separating air.
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