Remarkable Minerals Make Spectacular Fireworks

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), mineral elements provide the color, bangs, smoke, sparkle, and flashes in fireworks. Here are a few examples:

Copper, which is found in various geological settings around the world, is a reddish-brown, ductile, and malleable metal with the chemical symbol Cu and atomic number 29. When copper burns, it emits blue light, which is a result of the excitation of copper atoms and the subsequent release of energy in the form of light.
From the Greek phrase “a metal not found alone,” antimony is a silvery, lustrous grey semi-metallic toxic element used to create firework glitter effects. During combustion, antimony trisulfide decomposes and releases particles that reflect light, creating a glittering or shimmering effect. The use of antimony in fireworks can contribute to environmental pollution, so proper safety and disposal measures are important. Antimony is primarily found in the mineral stibnite (antimony trisulfide, Sb2S3).
Barium is a soft, silvery-white alkaline earth metal with the chemical symbol Ba and atomic number 56. It is highly reactive, especially with water, and is used in various applications including in fireworks to produce bright green colors. It also acts as a stabilizer for other volatile elements in the firework composition, helping to ensure consistent and safe combustion. Barium is primarily found in the mineral barite (barium sulfate, BaSO4) and witherite (barium carbonate, BaCO3). These minerals are mined from sedimentary rock deposits.
Zinc, a chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30, creates smoke effects and produces bright, white flames. Zinc is commonly found in the Earth’s crust, primarily in mineral ores such as sphalerite (zinc sulfide), which is the most significant source.
Sodium, responsible for the golden yellows in fireworks, is a chemical element with the symbol Na and atomic number 11. It is a soft, silvery-white, highly reactive metal. Sodium is found in nature primarily in the form of salts, such as sodium chloride (table salt), which is abundant in seawater and mineral deposits.

Which element gives red fireworks their deep hue? Which elements are combined to create different colors? Which ones are used to create smoke effects or glitter effects? We’ll give you a hint. Here are the atomic numbers on the periodic table that are commonly used for firework displays: 13, 22, 26, 29, 38, 40 , and 56 Have you guessed?

If you have a handheld XRF analyzer for mining operations, you can identify and analyze the minerals themselves. But you don’t need an analyzer to take a look at this infographic and find out 9 Fast Facts About Fireworks and the minerals used to make them look spectacular!