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Chemical Information

Aluminum Al=20: An element used for brilliancy in the fine powder form. It can be=20 purchased as a fine silvery or gray powder. All grades from technical = to=20 superpure (99.9%) can be used. The danger is from inhaling the dust = and=20 explosive room condition if too much dust goes into the air.=20; MP 660=C2=B0C, Specific Gravity 2.70, Solubility = negligible
Aluminum Chloride AlCl₃=20: This chemical must not come in contact with the skin as severe = burns can=20 result. The yellowish-white crystals or powder have a strong = attraction for=20 water. Purchase only in the anhydrous grade.=20
Amber=20: This is a fossil resin of vegetable origin and is yellowish- brown = in=20 color. It is used in fireworks to a small extent.=20
Ammonium Bichromate and Dichromate=20 (NH₄)₂Cr₂O₇=20: A mild poison used in the manufacture of tabletop volcanoes = (sometimes=20 called Vesuvius Fire). It is available as orange crystals in a = technical=20 grade. Also used in smoke formulas.
Ammonium Chloride NH4NO3=20: The common name is Sal Ammoniac. Comes as colorless crystals or a = white=20 powder. The technical grade is used to manufacture safety explosives = and=20 smokes.
Ammonium Oxalate NH₄C₂O₄=20: This compound takes the form of colorless, poisonous, crystals. = The=20 technical grade is suitable for the manufacture of safety explosives. =
Ammonium Perchlorate (NH₄ClO₄)=20: An extremely good oxidizer, faster than all the above mentioned,=20 decomposition products are all gases and for this reason it is used in = rockets, including the booster rockets of space shuttles. Itcan be = made to=20 explode by either heat or shock. Besides exploding in itself, it is = used to=20 manufacture other explosives.
Ammonium Permanganate NH₄MnO₄=20: A moderate explosive which can be detonated by either heat or = shock.=20
Ammonium Picrate=20 (NH₄C₆H₂N₃O₇)=20: These bright orange crystals are used in armor piercing shells and = fireworks. If heated to 300 degrees it will explode or it can be set = off by=20 shock. If you do any work with this chemical, it is advisable to keep = it wet.=20
Aniline Dyes=20: These are used in smoke powder formulas. They are organic coal tar = derivatives. Available in many different colors.
Aniline Green C₂₃H₂₅CIN₂=20: Also known as Malachite Green. One of the many Aniline dyes. The = green=20 crystals are used in smoke formulas.
Anthracene=20: A coal tar derivative used as a source of dyestuff and for colored = smokes.=20 Available as colorless crystals which melt at 217 degrees.
Antimony Sb=20: Another name for this metal element is Antimony Regulus. Purchase = the=20 black powder in 99% purity. Not the yellow variety. It is used in=20 pyrotechnics.
Antimony Fulminate=20: One of a group of unstable, explosive compounds related to Mercury = Fulminate.
Antimony Potassium Tartrate=20: Also known under the name of Tartar Emetic. These poisonous, = transparent,=20 odorless crystals (or white powder) are used to make Antimony = Fulminate. The=20 moisture that is present can be driven off by heating to 100 degrees. = Do not=20 exceed this temperature or the chemical will decompose.
Antimony Sulfide (Sb₂S₃)=20: This has usefulness in sharpening the report of firecrackers, = salutes,=20 etc. or to add color to a fire. The technical black powder is = suitable. Avoid=20 contact with the skin; dermatitis or worse will be the result. =
Aqua Regia=20: A strong acid containing 1 part concentrated Nitric Acid and 3 = parts=20 concentrated Hydrochloric Acid. Store in a well closed glass bottle in = a dark=20 place. This acid will attack all metals, including gold and platinum. = It is=20 used in making some explosives.
Arsenic Sulfide, Red=20: The common name is Realgar and it is also known as Red Arsenic. = Purchase=20 the technical grade, which is available as a poisonous orange-red = powder. It=20 is used in fireworks to impart color to the flame.
Arsenic Sulfide,Yellow (As₂S₃)=20: This Chemical is just as poisonous as its red brother and is also = used in=20 fireworks, somewhat. The common name is Kings Gold.
Arsenious Oxide (As₂O)₃=20: A white, highly poisonous powder used in fireworks. It is also = known as=20 Arsenious Trioxide, Arsenic Oxide and Arsenous Acid. Its uses are = similar to=20 Paris Green.
Asphaltum=20: A black bituminous substance, best described as powdered tar. =
Auramine Hydrochloride=20: Also known as Auramine. It is used in smoke formulas. Available as = yellow=20 flakes or powder, which readily dissolves in alcohol.
Auramine=20: A certified Biological stain used in smoke cartridges.
Barium Carbonate BaCO₃=20: This is a poisonous salt of Barium, which decomposes at a fairly = high=20 temperature, 1300 degrees. It is available as a fine white powder in = the=20 technical grade. It is used in fireworks as a color imparter.
Barium Chlorate = Ba(ClO₃)₂H₂O=20: Available as a white powder. It is poisonous, as are all Barium = salts. It=20 is used in fireworks, both as an oxidizer and color imparter. It is as = powerful as Potassium Chlorate and should be handled with the same = care.=20 Melting point is 414 degrees.
Barium Nitrate Ba(NO₃)₂=20: The uses and precautions are the same as above with a comparison = equal to=20 Potassium Nitrate instead of the Chlorate. It melts at 500 degrees. =
Bismuth Fulminate=20: One of a group of unstable, explosive compounds derived from = Fulminic=20 Acid.
Brass=20: This is an alloy of Copper and Zinc. Some also contain a small = percentage=20 of Tin. The commercial grade is suitable in powdered form. It is used = in some=20 fireworks formulas.
Calcium Carbide CaCO₃=20: These grayish, irregular lumps are normally packed in =

waterproof=20 and airtight metal containers. It is used in toy cannons. Mixed with = water it=20 forms Acetylene Gas (EXPLOSIVE).
Calcium Carbonate CaCO₃=20: This occurs as the mineral Calcite. It is used for Phosphorous = Torpedoes,=20 but does not have any dangerous properties in itself. Also as an acid = absorber=20 in fireworks.
Calcium Fluoride CaF₂=20: This finds its use in a smokeless firework mixture and is not used = elsewhere. It is a white powder, also known as Fluorspar.
Calcium Phosphide Ca₃P₂=20: This compound, which comes as gray lumps, must be kept dry. Upon = contact=20 with water it will form the flammable gas, Phosphine. It is used in = signal=20 fires.
Camphor OC₁₀H₁₆=20: A ketone found in the wood of the Camphor tree, native to Taiwan = and a few=20 of our states. For the best results, buy the granulated, technical = grade. Used=20 in explosives and fireworks.
Castor Oil=20: The common drug store variety is used in some powders to reduce = the=20 sensitiveness and to waterproof the mixture.
Charcoal C=20: A by product of the combustion of organic substances such as wood. = The=20 wood burning by itself does not produce enough heat to convert all of = the C=20 into CO₂and so leaves behind charcoal. Charcoal is mostly = carbon=20 (in the form of the allotrope graphite) but contains various = impurities making=20 it more reactive. For this reason it is used instead of carbon in most = pyrotechnic compositions. The softwood variety is best and it should = be black,=20 not brown. On this page, when refering to charcoal, the formula C is = used for=20 simplicity.=20; MP 3500=C2=B0C, Specific Gravity 3.51, Insoluble
Chrysoidine=20: An organic dye available as a red-brown powder. It is used in = smoke=20 formulas.
Clay=20: This can be purchased in the powdered form. It is used dry for = chokes,=20 nozzles and sealing firework cases. You can mix it with water to form = paste if=20 so desired.
Confectioners Sugar=20: Commonly called powdered sugar, it can be purchased at your local = food=20 store. The fineness is graded by the symbol XXXX. It is used in = explosives.=20
Copper Cu=20: As any pure metal used in fireworks, this must also be in a = powdered=20 state. It is reddish in color, in fact, it is the only element to be = found in=20 nature having that color.
Copper Acetoarsenite=20 = (Cu)₃As₂O₃Cu(C₂H_3O₂)₂=20: The popular name for this is Paris Green. It is also called Kings = Green or=20 Vienna Green. It is readily available as an insecticide or as a = technical=20 grade, poisonous, emerald green powder. It is used in fireworks to add = color.=20
Copper Arsenate CuHAsO₃=20: A fine, light green, poisonous powder. It is used in the technical = grade=20 for fireworks.
Copper Carbonate CuCO₃.Cu(OH)₂=20: Also known as Cupric Carbonate or Artificial Malachite. It is a = green=20 powder used in fireworks.
Copper Chlorate = Cu(ClO₃)₂.6H₂O=20: Or, technically, Cupric Chlorate. A poison used in fireworks as an = oxidizer and to add color.
Copper Chloride CuCl₂=20: An oxidizer and color imparter used in fireworks. Purchase the=20 brownish-yellow technical grade. This is a poisonous compound. =
Copper Nitrate = Cu(NO₃)₂.3H₂O=20: Or Cupric Nitrate. These blue crystals absorb water, as you can = see from=20 the formula. It is used in fireworks.
Copper Oxide CuO=20: When ordering be sure to specify the black powder. It is also = available in=20 red. The technical grade will serve the purpose for fireworks. =
Copper Oxychloride=20: A green powder used to impart oxygen and color especially to blue = star=20 formulas. It is a poison and the dust should not be inhaled.
Copper Sulfate CuSO₄.5H₂O=20: Known as Blue Vitriol, this poisonous compound is available as = blue=20 crystals or blue powder. It can be purchased in some drugstores. Used = in=20 fireworks for blue stars.
Copper Sulfide CuS=20: As are the other copper salts, this is also used in fireworks to = add=20 color. The technical grade is suitable and is black in color. You can = make=20 your own by passing Hydrogen Sulfide into a Copper salt.
Decaborane B₁₀H₁₄=20: This chemical is classed as a flammable solid and is used for = rocket=20 fuels. It will remain stable indefinitely at room temperature. =
Dextrin=20: This can be purchased as a white or yellow powder. It is a good = cheap glue=20 for binding cases and stars in fireworks.
Diazoacetic Ester=20 C₄H₆N₂O₂=20: A very severe explosive in the form of a yellow oil. It will = explode on=20 contact with Sulfuric acid or when heated. Very volatile and = explosive.=20
Diazoaminobenzene=20 C₆H₅N:N.NH.C₆H₅=20: These golden yellow crystals will explode when heated to 150 = degrees.=20
P-Diazobenzeneslfonic Acid=20 C₆H₄NSO₃N=20: Another severe explosive. It can be exploded by rubbing the white = paste or=20 powder, or by heating.
Diazodimitrophenol=20 HOC₆H₃(NO₂)₂N(:N)=20: An organic explosive in the same group as the above compound. Also = very=20 sensitive to shock or heat.
Diazomethane CH₂N₂=20: Also known as Azimethylene. This yellow gas is also in the above = group and=20 can be exploded by heat or shock.
Dinitrotoulene=20: Known as DNT for short. These yellow crystals are used in the = manufacture=20 of other explosives.
Ethyl Alcohol=20: This alcohol is the only one that is useful for fireworks. It = should be=20 about 95% pure. It is poisonous because of the impurities. It is = clear, like=20 water, and also a very flammable liquid.
Fluorine Perchlorate FClO₄=20: A very sensitive colorless gas which will explode on the slightest = contact=20 with a rough surface. It can also be detonated by heating to 168 = degrees.=20 Avoid all contact with this gas, as even a trace of it will attack the = lungs.=20
Gallic Acid = C₇H₆O₅.H₂O=20: A white or pale fawn colored powder used in fireworks to make = whistles.=20 When mixed with some chlorates, Permanganates or Silver salts, it may = explode.=20
Glycerol C₃H₈O₃=20: Commonly known as Glycerin. It is obtained from oils and fats as a = by-product when making soaps. It is a sweet warm tasting syrupy liquid = which=20 is used in several explosives. Contact with Chromium Trionide or = potassium=20 Permanganate may cause an explosion.
Gold Explosive=20: A dark brown powder which explodes when heated or rubbed. Upon = exploding,=20 it yields Gold, Nitrogen and Ammonia. The exact composition is unknown = because=20 it is too explosive to be dried.
Guanidine Nitrate = CH₅N₃.HNO₃=20: Guanidine is found in turnip juice, rice hulls and earthworms. It = is used=20 in the preparation of this chemical, or, it can be made from Ammonium = Nitrate=20 and Dicyanodiamide. To be of any value, it should be 95% pure. = Guanidine=20 Nitrate is not explosive itself, but is used in the manufacture of = explosives.=20 It is a white powder which melts at 210 degrees.
Gum Arabic=20: A dried, gummy, exudate from tropical trees. It is available as = flakes,=20 fragments and powder. It is used as a binder in firework formulas. =
Hexachlorethane CCl₃.CCl₃=20: Also known as Carbon Hexachloride, this chemical is used in smoke = formulas=20 It can be obtained in either powder or crystals.
Indigo=20: A dark blue crystalline powder which is a commercial dye. You can = purchase=20 either the technical or pure grade for smokes.
Iodine=20: Heavy grayish metallic looking crystals or flakes. Poisonous. = Purchase the=20 U.S.P. grade. It is being used in making explosives.
Iron Fe=20: The granular powder (at least 99% pure) is needed for several = firework=20 pieces. It is not a dangerous element but will rust very easily, = making it=20 useless.
Iron(II) Oxide FeO=20: This black or brown powder is used in thermite mixtures as a = oxidiser.=20 When ordering, it may be listed as Ferrous Oxide.
Kieselguhr=20: This is a whitish powder used in dynamites. It is a siliceous = earth,=20 consisting mainly of diatoms. A good grade will absorb about four = times its=20 own weight.
Lactose=20: Also called milk sugar. This white powder has a sweet taste. The = crude=20 grade will work for smoke formulas.
Lampblack=20: This is another name for the element, carbon. It is a finely = powdered=20 black dust, resulting from the burning of crude oils. It is used for = special=20 effects in fireworks.
Lead Azide PbN₆=20: This is a poisonous white powder which explodes by heating to 350 = degrees=20 or by concussion. The main usage is in primers. It can be made from = Sodium=20 Azide and Lead Nitrate.
Lead Bromate Pb(BrO₃)₂.H₂O =: Poisonous, colorless crystals. Pure Lead Bromate is not explosive = unless=20 it is made from precipitated Lead Acetate with an alkali bromate. Made = in this=20 manner, it can be exploded by rubbing or striking.
Lead Chloride PbCl₂=20: It is available as a white crystalline, poisonous powder which = melts at=20 501 degrees. It is used in fireworks.
Lead Dioxide PbO₂=20: Also known as Brown Lead Oxide, this dark brown powder is used as = an=20 oxidizer in matches and fireworks. Poisonous.
Lead Nitrate Pb(NO₃)₂=20: Available as white or colorless crystals in the technical grade. = The uses=20 include matches and explosives. Poisonous.
Lead Oxide Pb₃O₄=20: Also known as Red Lead or Lead Tetroxide. A 95% purity is desired = for=20 matches. Also poisonous.
Linseed Oil=20: Available in many forms: Brown, boiled, raw and refined. All are = made from=20 the seed of the flax plant. The cheapest form is suitable for = fireworks.=20 Purchase from a paint store.
Lithium Chloride LiCl=20: The technical grade is sometimes used to add color to fireworks=20 compositions. Available as a white powder.
Manganese Dioxide MnO₂=20: Used in pyrotechnic mixtures, matches and match box friction = surfaces.=20 Available as a technical grade, black powder. This oxidizer decomposes = at 535=20 degrees.
Magnesium Mg=20: This metal is used in a powdered state for brilliancy in flares = and will=20 even burn vigorously underwater and in carbon dioxide.=20; MP 650=C2=B0C, BP 1107=C2=B0C, Specific Gravity 1.74, Flash Point = (Closed Cup)=20 634=C2=B0C
Mercuric Chloride HgCl₂=20: A white, poisonous powder. Also known as Corrosive Sublimate. It = can be=20 made by subliming Mercuric Sulfate with ordinary table salt and then = purified=20 by recrystallization. The U.S.P. grade is used for some firework = compositions.=20
Mercuric Oxide HgO=20: Available in two forms; red and yellow. Both forms give the same = oxidizing=20 effects in fireworks. The technical grade is suitable.. All forms are=20 poisonous.
Mercuric Oxycyanide HgO.Hg(CN)₂=20: In the pure state it is a violent poison which will explode when = touched=20 by flame or friction.
Mercuric Thiocyanate Hg(SCN)₂=20: A poisonous, white odorless powder used in the making of Pharaoh"s = Serpents. Use the technical grade.
Mercurous Chloride HgCl=20: Also known as Calomel or Mercuric Monochloride. This white, non- = poisonous=20 powder will brighten an otherwise dull colored mixture. Sometimes it = is=20 replaced by PVC or Hexachlorobenzene and even Antimony Sulfide, for = the same=20 purpose. Note that it is non poisonous only when it is 100% pure. = Never=20 confuse this chemical with Mercuric Chloride, which is poisonous in = any form.=20
Mercury Fulminate Hg(ONC)₂.H₂O=20: A crystalline compound used in primers, percussion caps, blasting = caps and=20 other detonators. Explodes very easily from heat or shock.
Methylene Blue C₁₆H₁₈N₃SCl =: This dark green powder is used for smokes in the technical grade. = Also=20 called Methylthionine Chloride.
Mineral Jelly=20: Also known as Vaseline, Petrolatum or Petroleum Jelly. This acts = as a=20 stabilizer in fireworks and explosives.
Naphthalene=20: This is a tar product that you may know better as Moth Flakes. = Only the=20 100% pure form should be used in making smoke powders. The melting = point is=20 100 degrees.
Nitric Acid HNO₃=20: Also known as Aqua Fortis. It is a clear, colorless corrosive = liquid,=20 which fumes in moist air. It can react violently with organic matter = such as=20 Charcoal, Alcohol or Turpentine and consequently must be handled Very=20 carefully. It is available in three forms: White fuming, Red Fuming = and=20 Concentrated (70 to 71%). The latter, with a specific gravity of 1.42, = is the=20 proper grade to buy. Whatever grade, avoid contact with the fumes or = the=20 liquid. Contact with the skin will cause it to burn and turn yellow. = It is=20 used to manufacture many explosives.
Nitroglycerin = C₃H₅N₃O₉=20: A liquid with a sweet burning taste, but do not taste it or it = will=20 produce a violent headache or acute poisoning. It can be made to = explode by=20 rapid heating or percussion. It is used as an explosive and also to = make other=20 explosives.
Nitroguanidine H₂NC(NH)NHNO₂=20: A yellow solid made by dissolving Fuanidine in concentrated = Sulfuric Acid=20 and then diluting with water. Dangerous Explosive.
Nitromethane CH₃NO₂=20: An oily, poisonous liquid, which is used as rocket fuel.
Oil of Spike=20: This is a volatile oil obtained from the leaves of certain trees. = Keep=20 this colorless (or pale yellow) liquid well closed and away from = light. It is=20 used in some fireworks.
Paraffin=20: This is a white or transparent wax. It is normally sold in a solid = block.=20 You can use it to make the required powder.
Paranitroanaline Red=20 (H₂NC₆H₄)₃COH=20: A dye used in smoke formulas. It dissolves in alcohol and will = melt at 139=20 degrees. It is also known as P-Aminophenyl.
Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate=20 C₅H₈N₄O₁₂=20: A high explosive known as PRTN. Besides being an explosive itself = it is=20 used in a detonating fuse called Primacord.
Perchloryl Fluoride ClFO₃=20: A gas under normal air pressure. When brought in contact with = alcohol,=20 explosions have resulted.
Phosphorus P=20: This element comes in three forms, with three different ways of = reacting.=20 They resemble each other in name only. Red Phosphorous is the only = suitable=20 form for fireworks and matches. It is a non-poisonous violet-red = powder. It=20 will ignite at 260 degrees. When making a formula containing = Phosphorous, be=20 sure to work with it in a WET STATE. This is a most dangerous chemical = to work=20 with and should be handled only by the most experienced. Oxidizers = have been=20 known to detonate violently without warning when mixed with Red = Phosphorous.=20
Phosphorous Pentasulfide=20: Also known as Phosphoric Sulfide. These light yellow crystals are = used in=20 matches.
Phosphorus Trisulfide P₂S₃=20: This chemical can catch fire from the moisture that is present in = air,=20 therefore the container should be kept tightly capped. The technical = grade,=20 purchased as grayish-yellow masses, is used in making matches. =
Picric Acid=20: This is used to bring out and improve the tone of colors in = various=20 fireworks. It is also used to make other chemicals that are used in = fireworks=20 and explosives. Picric Acid can explode from heat or shock. It is = interesting=20 to note what it is called in other countries: Britain - Lyddite; = France -=20 Melinite; Japan - Shimose.
Plaster of Paris=20: This is a white powder, composed mostly of Calcium Sulfate. It is = used, by=20 mixing with water, for end plugs in fireworks and also in some = formulas.=20
Potassium K=20: A soft silvery metal element. It will react vigorously with water = and=20 several acids. It is not used directly except for some experiments. =
Potassium Chlorate KClO₃=20: This, perhaps, is one of the most widely used chemical in = fireworks.=20 Before it was known, mixtures were never spectacular in performance. = It opened=20 the door to what fireworks are today. It is a poisonous, white powder = that is=20 used as an oxidizer. Never ram a mixture containing Potassium = Chlorate. Do not=20 store mixtures which contain this chemical for any great length of = time, as=20 they may explode spontaneously. It is extremely dangerous to include = sulfur in=20 a mixture containing any chlorate, the mixture becomes up to ten times = more=20 sensitive.=20; MP 356=C2=B0C, Specific Gravity 2.32, Solubility 1-10%
Potassium Dichromate = K₂CR₂O₇=20: Also known as Potassium Bichromate. The commercial grade is used = in=20 fireworks and matches. The bright orange crystals are poisonous. Also = used in=20 smokes.
Potassium Ferrocyanide=20 K₄Fe(CN)₆.3H₂O=20: Lemon yellow crystals or powder which will decompose at high = temperatures.=20 It is used in the manufacture of explosives.
Potassium Nitrate KNO₃=20: Commonly called Saltpeter; this chemical is an oxidizer which = decomposes=20 at 400 degrees. It is well known as a component in gunpowder and is = also used=20 in other firework pieces. Available as a white powder. Ingestion may = cause=20 gastrointestinal pain, nausea and vomiting.=20; MP 334=C2=B0C, Solubility 10%, Specific Gravity 2.11
Potassium Perchlorate KClO₄=20: Much more stable than its Chlorate brother, this chemical is a = white or=20 slightly pink powder. It can often substitute for Potassium Chlorate = to make=20 the formula safer. It will not yield its oxygen as easily, but to make = up for=20 this, it gives off more oxygen. It is also poisonous.=20; MP 610=C2=B0C, Specific Gravity 2.52, Solubility 0.1-1%=20
Potassium Permanganate KMnO₄=20: Is very soluble in water (forms a blue solution), produces a lot = of smoke=20 when used, ignites spontaneously when in contact with glycerine, can = produce a=20 purple flame when under the right conditions.
Potassium Picrate=20 C₆H₂KN₃O₇=20: A salt of Picric Acid, this chemical comes in yellow, reddish or = greenish=20 crystals. It will explode when struck or heated. It is used in = fireworks.=20
Potassium Thiocyanate KCNS=20: Colorless or white crystals which are used to make the Pharaoh's = Serpent.=20 The commercial grade or pure grade is suitable.
n-Propyl Nitrate C₃H₇NC₂=20: Prepared from Silver Nitrate and n-Propyl Bromide and is used as a = jet=20 propellant
Red Gum=20: Rosin similar to shellac and can often replace it in many firework = formulas. Red gum is obtained from the bark of trees.
Rhodamine B=20: A basic fluorescent organic pigment also known as Rhodamine Red. = Available=20 in green or red crystals or powder. It is used in smoke formulas. =
Shellac=20: An organic rosin made from the secretion of insects which live in = India.=20 The exact effect it produces in fireworks is not obtainable from other = gums.=20 The common mixture of Shellac and Alcohol sold in hardware stores = should be=20 avoided. Purchase the powdered variety, which is orange in color. =
Silver Fulminate AgONC=20: A crystalline salt similar to Mercury Fulminate but more = sensitive. In=20 fact, too sensitive for commercial blasting. It is used for toy = torpedoes and=20 poppers.
Silver Oxide Ag₂O=20: Dark brown, odorless powder. It is potentially explosive and = becomes=20 increasingly more so with time. Keep away from Ammonia and combustible = solvents. The technical grade, which is about 92% pure, is suitable. =
Sodium Aluminum Fluoride Na₃AlF₆=20: Also known as mineral, Cryolite. It is used in fireworks in the = white=20 powdered form.
Sodium Bicarbonate NaHCO₃=20: When a formula calls for this chemical, you can use Baking Soda = (NOT=20 Baking Powder). It is a white, non-poisonous powder.
Sodium Carbonate NaCO₃=20: This white powder is used in fireworks, but not to any great = extent. The=20 anhydrous grade is best.
Sodium Chlorate NaClO₃=20: An oxidizer similar to Potassium Chlorate, although not as = powerful and=20 also with the disadvantage of absorbing water. Decomposes at 325 = degrees.=20
Sodium Chloride NaCl=20: This is used in fireworks. You can use the common form, table salt = (or=20 rock salt if made into a powder).
Sodium Nitrate NaNO₃=20: Also known as Chile Saltpeter; very similar to Saltpeter, = (Potassium=20 Nitrate). It is used where large amounts of powder are needed in = fireworks and=20 explosives. It will absorb water as do other sodium salts.
Sodium Oxalate Na₂C₂O₄=20: This is not a strong poison, but is poisonous, and you should not = come in=20 contact with it or breathe the dust for any prolonged period. The = technical=20 grade is best for making yellow fires.
Sodium Perchlorate NaClO₄H₂O=20: This chemical is used in fireworks and explosives. It is very = similar to=20 Potassium Perchlorate with the exception that it will absorb water. =
Sodium Peroxide Na₂O₂=20: A yellowish-white powder. It can explode or ignite in contact with = organic=20 substances.
Sodium Picrate=20: Very similar to Potassium Picrate and should be handled with the = same=20 precautions. It is also known under the name of Sodium = Trinitrophenolate.=20
Sodium Silicate = Na₂SlO₃.9H₂O=20: This chemical, commonly called water glass, is used as a fireproof = glue.=20 It is available in syrupy solution and can be thinned with water if = necessary.=20 When dry it resembles glass, hence the name. It can, when desired, be=20 thickened with calcium carbonate, zinc oxide, powdered silica, or = fiberglass=20 (chopped) if extra strength is desired.
Stearin=20: Colorless, odorless, tasteless, soapy crystal or powder. Sometimes = referred to as Stearic Acid. Purchase the technical grade, powder. It = can=20 often take the place of Sulphur and Charcoal in fireworks.
Strontium Carbonate SrCO₃=20: Known in the natural state as Strontianite, this chemical is used = for=20 adding a red color to fires. It comes as a white powder in a pure, = technical=20 or natural state.
Strontium Chloride SrCl₂.6H₂O=20: A colorless or white granulated chemical used in pyrotechnics. It = will=20 absorb water and is not used often.
Strontium Nitrate Sr(NO₃)₂=20: By far the most common chemical used to produce red in flares, = stars and=20 fires. Available in the technical powder grade. An oxidizer with 45% = oxygen=20 and absorbs water.
Strontium Sulfate SrSO₄=20: This does not absorb water as quickly as nitrate and is used when = storage=20 is necessary. In its natural state it is known as Celestine, which = compares to=20 grades used in fireworks.
Sulphur (Sulfur) S=20: Burns giving off choking fumes (sulfur dioxide). Forms three = different=20 allotropes. Purchase good pyro grades low in acid. Used in many types = of=20 fireworks and explosives.=20; MP 116=C2=B0C, BP 445=C2=B0C, Specific Gravity 2.01, Solubility = negligible (<=20 0.1%), Flash Point 188=C2=B0C.
Sulfuric Acid H₂SO₄=20: Also called Oil of Vitriol, it is a clear liquid with the = consistency of a=20 thin syrup. Bottles should be kept tightly closed as it is a very = corrosive=20 and dangerous chemical. It has a great affinity for water and will = absorb it=20 from any source. The effect can be a charred surface or fire. The = grade used=20 in explosives is 93-98%.
Sulfur Trioxide SO₃=20: This powder will combine with water with explosive violence to = form=20 Sulfuric Acid. If brought in contact with wood flour and a drop of = water is=20 added, a fire will start. It is used to make some explosives.
Trinitrotoluene=20 (NO₂)₃C₆H₂CH₃=20: Commonly known as TNT. The poisonous crystals are colorless in the = pure=20 state. It is more powerful and expensive than Dynamite. If not = confined it=20 will burn like dynamite. Used as a high explosive and to make others. =
Wood Flour=20: This is merely another name for sawdust or wood meal. It is used = in=20 fireworks and explosives.
Zinc Zn=20: Of all the forms, only the dust is suitable in the technical or = high=20 purity grade. It is a gray powder used in star mixtures and for fuel = in model=20 rockets.
Zinc Borate 3ZnO.2B₂O₃=20: A white amorphous powder used in making smoke formulas. A = relatively safe=20 compound to handle.
Zinc Carbonate ZnCO₃=20: Another white Zinc compound used in some smoke formulas. Also a = safe=20 compound to handle.
Zinc Oxide ZnO
Sometimes called Flowers of Zinc. This = is a=20 white or yellowish powder used in some firework formulas. It has also = found=20 use as a thickening agent in water glass when a stronger pyro paste is = desired.

Please Note

This is a publication of the Western New York Pyrotechnic = Association.=20 It may be reproduced in whole or in part without permission or = compensation=20 providing:=20 credit is given to the Western New York Pyrotechnic Association=20 it is distributed free. If you plan to make a buck on it, we = want a=20 piece of it!! I have also made some additions to the information from a number of = rescources including MSDS documents.

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