What Makes Fireworks Red, White and Boom?
Many of us will have unconventional July 4th celebrations this year, perhaps creating our own firework displays, since many cities have cancelled their public programs due to COVID-19. No matter, fireworks in any form light up the night and our spirits. Ever wonder how they work, how all of those wonderful patterns and colors are made? Rocks.
More specifically, minerals. Much like painting or sometimes even using crayons, the mixing of minerals and mineral compounds create additional colors.
For example:
Bright greens – Barium
Deep reds – Strontium
Blues – Copper
Yellows – Sodium
Brilliant orange – Strontium
Silver/White – Titanium, Zirconium and Magnesium
Purple – Copper and Strontium
As with colors, certain effects are also created by combining specific minerals. Each mineral has precise physical characteristics and behaves differently under heat or other conditions. Iron filings and some charcoals make gold-colored sparks when subjected to heat. Magnalium (magnesium-aluminum alloy) can produce a small series of tiny silvery-white flashes, while larger chunks, like granules or flakes, make effects last longer.
Fireworks were discovered in ancient China and the understanding of fireworks has progressed tremendously over the centuries. Although fireworks are an absolute wonder to watch and sometimes use, safety must be the first priority. Many of those flash effects we just discussed? The temperature at which some of those reactions occur can be in excess of 700 degrees. And unfortunately, some of the most tragic accidents occur in firework factories or by those who are not using simple safety practices. So this year, make sure to use appropriate eye protection, keep a bucket of water or garden house nearby in case of a mishap, and make sure adults do the igniting. Even simple sparklers must be handled with care, as they burn up to 1,200 degrees, and even more shocking are that sparklers account for one-third of injuries to children under five. So give young children glow sticks instead.
Fireworks, while fun and festive, can be dangerous, so use with caution during this upcoming holiday. Just like so many elements in our everyday lives, we could not have fireworks without mining. Happy Independence Day!