The science

Chemistry of Fireworks

Every aerial shell is a four-act play: lift, break, color, and sound. Each act is a different chemical reaction tuned by master pyrotechnicians.

What makes the color

Colors of the rainbow.

  • Red

    Strontium carbonate or strontium nitrate. Pure, deep, classic.

  • Orange

    Calcium chloride — a warmer, gentler glow.

  • Yellow

    Sodium nitrate. The same color sodium lamps give off — pure spectral yellow.

  • Green

    Barium chloride. Hard to stabilize but striking when done right.

  • Blue

    Copper chloride. The hardest color in pyrotechnics — pure blue requires a precise burn temperature window.

  • Purple

    Strontium + copper compounds. Red and blue combined.

  • White / silver

    Burning metal — usually titanium, magnesium, or aluminum powder.

  • Gold / brocade

    Iron filings or charcoal. The 'willow' look that hangs in the sky.

Kaboom Room

Chemistry of Fireworks