Hobbies And Interests

How to Build Pyrotechnics

Pyrotechnics are just another word for fireworks. They can be built with a few simple minerals and ingredients, though making them should be attempted only by adults with experience working with volatile materials. There are lots of different types of pyrotechnics; some flash and flare, some go up in the air and rain down different colored sparks. They are all made from the same few materials though. Gunpowder is used as the motive force, magnesium strips create sudden powerful flares, and a few different minerals are what produce the colored sparks. Copper makes blue, celestine makes red, tourmaline makes yellow and barite makes green. One of the easiest form of pyrotechnics to make is the fountain. It's also the safest as it uses very little gunpowder.

Things You'll Need

  • Gunpowder Magnesium strips Copper Celestine Tourmaline Barite Cardboard tube Fireworks fuse Mortar and pestle Funnel Waxed paper Scissors Disposable air-tight containers Duct tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Begin by preparing all your materials prior to assembly. The minerals all need to be ground down to a sand-like consistency. This means about an hour of grinding away with your mortar and pestle. Grind up the Celestine, the tourmaline, the barite and the magnesium. Make sure to wash and dry the mortar and pestle thoroughly between each component. You won't be able to grind up the copper, so it's best to either go without it or purchase some powdered copper from a chemistry supply store. The other minerals you can find in any rock shop. Pour each of the powdered minerals into separate containers and seal them tightly for the moment.

    • 2

      Grind up the gunpowder as finely as humanly possible. If you don't want the fountain to explode, the powder must be the consistency of flour. Use firm pressure throughout, but do not slam the pestle into the mortar as you might create a spark. Pour an equal measure of gunpowder in with each of the other minerals and mix them well. You should have a ratio of 1 part gunpowder to two parts mineral.

    • 3

      Prepare your fountain tube by wrapping the exterior with waxed paper and sealing the bottom tightly. Use the scissors to cut a line halfway down the length of the tube from the top. Bend this inward to create a cone with a hole at the top about the size of a penny. Make sure to tape it firmly shut and wrap an extra layer of duct tape around the whole assembly.

    • 4

      Thread a length of fuse down through the cone so it touches the very bottom. Make sure you've got a couple inches of fuse coming out of the top so you'll have time to get clear after lighting it. Use your funnel to pour in the contents of each of the containers, one after the other. Try not to shake or jostle the contents until the cone is completely full. This will ensure that the minerals do not mix so they will produce clear individual colors.

    • 5

      Cut out a circle of waxed paper, poke a hole in the center, and thread it down the length of the fuse to cover over the top of the cone, sealing it shut with more tape. With this done, it's ready to be lit. Make sure to do it outside and well clear of anything flammable.


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