Brainwave- Awesome camp-fire science!

I had a brainwave today. If we can get hold of any of these chemicals, and I know quite a few can be picked up at a chemists-

dark red = lithium chloride

red = strontium chloride (found in emergency flares)

orange = calcium chloride (a bleaching powder)

yellow = sodium chloride (table salt) or sodium carbonate

yellowish green = borax (sodium borate, a common insecticide and cleaning agent)

green = copper sulfate (found in some pool and aquarium chemicals)

blue = copper chloride (lab chemical, but other copper compounds found in algicides and fungicides may work)

violet = 3 parts potassium sulfate, 1 part potassium nitrate (saltpeter)

purple = potassium chloride (sometimes sold as a 'lite' salt)

white = magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts)

You can soak pine cones/paper/wood in solutions of alcohol and put them on a fire for a very pretty and colourful night-time chemistry lesson in metal salts.

Very, very cool. Also, Iron filings for mini-fireworks.

You are a genius!

Although I think we'd better split the list and go to a few places, don't want to raise MI5 suspicions now do we.

Im sure there has to be a website online somewhere!

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND?

Amaze Your Friends and Family with these cool campfire trick- You can create some really neat special effects with some common and not so common- household chemicals.

To add to fire- Use duct tape lay a piece of duct tape out- about a 3-4″ strip- put a few spoonful of ONE chemical of your choice on the tape and fold over- making sure edges are sealed. DO NOT MIX THESE CHEMICALS- EVER!!!!!
When ready to add to fire- just toss the whole packet in

Copper Chloride : makes a BLUE flame, Can be found at Fire Work chemical companies- my favourite is SkyLighter.com

Borax : Light yellow-Green Flame (but this at any supermarket in laundry section)

Copper Sulfate: makes a green flame in campfire. Buy in pool/spa chemical store or Fireplace store.

Lithium Chloride: bright pink/red flame . Can buy here http://secure.sciencecompany.com/Strontium-Chloride-100g-P15973C672.aspx

Salt Peter:(potassium nitrate).For a violet-purple flame.

Epsom salt(Magnesium Sulfate}makes a bight white flame in campfires- buy pretty much anywhere.

Strontium Chloride: makes red flame in campfire. Stores specializing in fireworks chemicals.
also here : http://secure.sciencecompany.com/Strontium-Chloride-100g-P15973C672.aspx

Potassium Chloride: makes a deep purple flame in campfire. Sold as a water softener salt and starter fertilizer in most gardening sections..

Alum (thallium): a nice bright green flame in campfire. Used for pickling but can also buy cheap at drugstore- ask pharmacist.

Calcium Chloride : nice blue flame - is sold commercially as the product ” Damp-Rid” to get rid of moisture.

Table Salt (sodium chloride)- make an orange flame.

Boric Acid - deep red flame. Buy at any pharmacy.



extra info
http://www.eurochlor.org/index.asp?page=662