Helium purification and liquefaction

Helium exists in abundance in the Universe, particularly in the Sun and stars. It is also found on Earth and in certain pockets of natural gas. It was the latter source that paved the way for industrial production.

When helium is cooled below 2.17 K, a phase change occurs, transforming normal helium into superfluid helium with astonishing properties.

Without the discovery of superconductivity, helium would never have achieved the industrial development it has today.