Chemistry of Firework Colors

reating firework colors is a complex endeavor, requiring considerable art and application of physical science. Excluding propellants or special effects, the points of light ejected from fireworks, termed 'stars', generally require an oxygen-producer, fuel, binder (to keep everything where it needs to be), and color producer. There are two main mechanisms of color production in fireworks, incandescence and luminescence.
Incandescence
Incandescence is light produced from heat. Heat causes a substance to become hot and glow, initially emitting infrared, then red, orange, yellow, and white light as it becomes increasingly hotter. When the temperature of a firework is controlled, the glow of components, such as charcoal, can be manipulated to be the desired color (temperature) at the proper time. Metals, such as aluminum, magnesium, and titanium, burn very brightly and are useful for increasing the temperature of the firework.
Luminescence
Luminescence is light produced using energy sources other than heat. Sometimes luminescence is called 'cold light', because it can occur at room temperature and cooler temperatures. To produce luminescence, energy is absorbed by an electron of an atom or molecule, causing it to become excited, but unstable. When the electron returns to a lower energy state the energy is released in the form of a photon (light). The energy of the photon determines its wavelength or color.
Sometimes the salts needed to produce the desired color are unstable. Barium chloride (green) is unstable at room temperatures, so barium must be combined with a more stable compound (e.g., chlorinated rubber). In this case, the chlorine is released in the heat of the burning of the pyrotechnic composition, to then form barium chloride and produce the green color. Copper chloride (blue), on the other hand, is unstable at high temperatures, so the firework cannot get too hot, yet must be bright enough to be seen.
Quality
Pure colors require pure ingredients. Even trace amounts of sodium impurities (yellow-orange) are sufficient to overpower or alter other colors. Careful formulation is required so that too much smoke or residue doesn't mask the color. With fireworks, as with other things, cost often relates to quality. Skill of the manufacturer and date the firework was produced greatly affect the final display (or lack thereof).

Firework Colorants

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

In the beginning ...

In the beginning ...

The saga of India's largest fireworks manufacturer, began in 1942. The company traces its origin to a modest `safety-matches-making-shed' in Sivakasi. During its nascent years, the impetus to storm into the big league of pyrotechnic giants was sensed early by four towering pillars of the company; Mr. Rajaratnam, Mr. Chelladhurai, Mr.Sankaralingam and Mr.Arunachalam.

Undaunted by the early days of struggle, marked by import restrictions, rigid legislations, fire hazards and fierce competition, the Standard fireworks brands fought valiantly to gain the market foothold, and years later signified the emergence of an Indian pyrotechnics giant.

The company's zeal to manufacture high quality products and create brand leaders, soon paid rich dividends when the brands gained market prominence and signified the emergence of Indian Pyrotechnics giant.

History of Fireworks in India

History of Fireworks in India

In early part of 19th century, `Bhakthapu' or Bengal Lights, the small mudpot, emanating bright yellow lights, became the first ever firework manufactured in India.

The first Fireworks factory in India was set up at Calcutta by Mr.Das Gupta. Initially, he experimented with colour matches and later with gerbs, fountains and large size crackers. Subsequently, the focus of the fireworks industry shifted from Calcutta to Sivakasi, thanks to the enterprising efforts of Mr. Shanmugam Nadar and Mr. Iya Nadar.

Restrictions in import during the Second World war, posed a challenge to the local industry, which took the first step in indigenising various products. During the year 1940, the Indian Explosives Act was enforced whereby a system of licensing was introduced for manufacture, possession and sale of fireworks. This Act paved the way for organised sectors in the Industry. Sivakasi, soon became a home for fireworks.