Pyrotechnic star
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Pyrotechnic stars are pellets or simply pieces of pyrotechnic composition which may contain metal powders, salts or other compounds that, when ignited, burn a certain colour or exude a spark effect. They are a part of all projectile type fireworks. The most common is the aerial shell. When you watch this firework, it will launch into the sky, burning a lifting charge. Once the shell has attained proper altitude, due to other mechanisms within the firework, it will ignite the stars.
Certain examples of compounds commonly used in fireworks, and the colours they burn are listed below:
| Colour | Compound Name | Chemical Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Strontium Nitrate | SrNO33 |
| Red | Strontium Carbonate | SrCO3 |
| Orange | Calcium Chloride | CaCl2 |
| Orange | Hydrated Calcium sulphate | CaSO4(H2O)x* |
| Gold/Yellow | Charcoal Powder | C |
| Gold/Yellow | Iron Powder with Carbon | Fe+C |
| Gold/Yellow | Sodium nitrate | NaNO3 |
| Gold/Yellow | Cryolite | Na3AlF6 |
| White | Aluminium | Al |
| White | Magnesium | Mg |
| White | Titanium | Ti |
| Green | Barium Chloride | BaCl+ |
| Blue | Copper(I) chloride | CuCl |
| Purple | Red and Blue compounds | Sr+Cu |
| Silver | Aluminium Powder | Al |
| Silver | Magnesium Powder | Mg |
| Silver | Titanium Powder | Ti |
The * indicates that the compound will burn orange where x=0,2,3,5.