Atoms are the building blocks of everything. The philosopher Democritus described atoms as being indestructible and completely full. He thought that there were many different kinds of atoms, each distinct in shape and size and that all atoms move around in space.

Dmitri Mendeleev Periodic Table

The table is organised into vertical groups and horizontal periods. Elements are placed along each period in order of their atomic number, with elements 1-2, 3 -10, 11-18 etc. all in the same horizontal row of the periodic table. Groups of elements have similarities in characteristics e.g. group 17 - known as halogens.

• The transition metals across the centre of the table have a strong association with pigments used by artists. Gold is valued for its colour. Other transition metals form compounds where the combined electric fields of the surrounding ions modify the energies of the electrons on the metal ion. This chemistry together with the geometrical arrangement of ions is what causes the colours of transition metals Sometimes the variations in crystal field from one substance to another make only a minor difference to the frequency at which a metal ion absorbs light, while in other cases differences in the crystal field can impart a striking shift in colour. The red colour of iron oxide is caused by the movement of an electron on to the metal from an adjacent oxygen ion in what is known as a charge transfer process.
• Heat can alter the chemical composition or structure of a mineral. The pigment lead white turns red and then yellow when heated.
• Seven elements classified as "non-metals" are located in Groups 14,15 and 16 of the periodic table. Non-metals are not easily able to conduct electricity or heat and do not reflect light.
• Noble gases are used in colour signage, neon lights, with either colour glass used, or with the gas imparting colour.
• The reactive metals on the left of the periodic table (alkali metals and alkaline earth metals) are used as a colouring agent in fireworks where they burn ( exothermic oxidation-reduction reaction) in the presence of an oxidizing agent resulting in bright colours lighting up the night sky. Reducing agents such as the non-metal sulphur and charcoal are then used to control the rate of the reaction.