Xenon is a colorless, odorless, noble gas. Xenon can be oxidized by strong oxidizing agents, and it emits a blue or lavender glow when exposed to electrical discharge. Xenon has an atomic weight of 131.293, a melting point of - 169.1 °F, and a boiling point of - 162.62 °F. Common uses of xenon include: as a major component in xenon flash lamps and xenon arc lamps, as a starter gas for high pressure sodium lamps, as a component of some lasers, and in general anesthetic.