Chemistry > Firework Chemistry (reference only)
The table below shows the compounds commonly used in industry to colour fireworks. Some of these chemicals may not be safe to use in schools. Check with CLEAPSS or SSERC recommendations if attempting to use any chemicals listed on this page or anywhere else.
| Color |
Compound |
Red |
strontium salts, lithium salts
lithium carbonate, Li2CO3 = red
strontium carbonate, SrCO3 = bright red |
Orange |
calcium salts
calcium chloride, CaCl2
calcium sulfate, CaSO4·xH2O, where x = 0,2,3,5 |
Gold |
incandescence of iron (with carbon), charcoal, or lampblack |
Yellow |
sodium compounds
sodium nitrate, NaNO3
cryolite, Na3AlF6 |
Electric White |
white-hot metal, such as magnesium or aluminum
barium oxide, BaO |
Green |
barium compounds + chlorine producer
barium chloride, BaCl + = bright green |
Blue |
copper compounds + chlorine producer
copper acetoarsenite (Paris Green), Cu3As2O3Cu(C2H3O2)2 = blue
copper (I) chloride, CuCl = turquoise blue |
Purple |
mixture of strontium (red) and copper (blue) compounds |
Silver |
burning aluminum, titanium, or magnesium powder or flakes |