The History of Fireworks

“Fireworks originated in China some 2,000 years ago. The most prevalent legend has it that fireworks were discovered or invented by accident by a Chinese cook working in a field kitchen who happened to mix charcoal, sulphur and saltpeter (all commonly found in the kitchen in those days). The mixture burned and when compressed in an enclosure (a bamboo tube), the mixture exploded.

A Chinese monk named Li Tian, who lived near the city of Liu Yang in Hunan Province, is credited with the invention of firecrackers about 1,000 years ago. The Chinese people celebrate the invention of the firecracker every April 18 by offering sacrifices to Li Tian.

The firecrackers, both then and now, are thought to have the power to fend off evil spirits and ghosts that are frightened by the loud bangs of the firecrackers. Firecrackers are used for such purposes today at most events such as births, deaths and birthdays.

Generally Marco Polo is credited with bringing the Chinese gunpowder back to Europe in the 13th century.

Italians were the first Europeans who used the black powder to manufacture fireworks. Germany was the other European country to emerge as a fireworks leader along with Italy in the 18th century.

The English were also fascinated with fireworks. Fireworks became very popular in Great Britain during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. William Shakespeare mentions fireworks in his works, and fireworks were so much enjoyed by the Queen herself that she created the position of "Fire Master of England." King James II was so pleased with the fireworks display that celebrated his coronation that he knighted his Fire Master.”

In order to survive, Hong Kong brokers invested money into Chinese factories and joint-ventured with Chinese entrepreneurs to start their own exclusive product lines and for their remaining larger customers. With the loss of key personnel, the government provincial export corporations never quite adapted to economic reform, and today most are gone or left selling to domestic Chinese markets.” (B.J. Alan Company Inc)

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Symbol	Name	Fireworks Usage
Al	Aluminum	Aluminum is used to produce silver and white flames and sparks. It is a common component of sparklers.
Ba	Barium	Barium is used to create green colors in fireworks, and it can also help stabilize other volatile elements.
C	Carbon	Carbon is one of the main components of black powder, which is used as a propellent in fireworks. Carbon provides the fuel for a firework. Common forms include carbon black, sugar, or starch.
Ca	Calcium	Calcium is used to deepen firework colors. Calcium salts produce orange fireworks.
Cl	Chlorine	Chlorine is an important component of many oxidizers in fireworks. Several of the metal salts that produce colors contain chlorine.
Cu	Copper	Copper compounds produce blue colors in fireworks.
Fe	Iron	Iron is used to produce sparks. The heat of the metal determines the color of the sparks.
K	Potassium	Potassium helps to oxidize firework mixtures. Potassium nitrate, potassium chlorate, and potassium perchlorate are all important oxidizers.
Li	Lithium	Lithium is a metal that is used to impart a red color to fireworks. Lithium carbonate, in particular, is a common colorant.
Mg	Magnesium	Magnesium burns a very bright white, so it is used to add white sparks or improve the overall brilliance of a firework.
Na	Sodium	Sodium imparts a gold or yellow color to fireworks, however, the color is often so bright that is frequently masks other, less intense colors.
O	Oxygen	Fireworks include oxidizers, which are substances that produce oxygen in order for burning to occur. The oxidizers are usually nitrates, chlorates, or perchlorates. Sometimes the same substance is used to provide oxygen and color.
P	Phosphorus	Phosphorus burns spontaneously in air and is also responsible for some glow in the dark effects. It may be a component of a firework's fuel.
S	Sulfur	Sulfur is a component of black powder, and as such, it is found in a firework's propellant/fuel.
Sb	Antimony	Antimony is used to create firework glitter effects.
Sr	Strontium	Strontium salts impart a red color to fireworks. Strontium compounds are also important for stabilizing fireworks mixtures.
Ti	Titanium	Titanium metal can be burned as powder or flakes to produce silver sparks.
Zn	Zinc	Zinc is a bluish white metal that is used to create smoke effects for fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices.
Table created by: B.J. Alan Company Inc.

Table I: Coloration of Fireworks According to Emitting Materials
Color	Emitters Used
Yellow	Sodium D-Line atomic emission
Orange	CaCl
Red	SrCl or SrOH
Green	BaCl
Blue	CuCl
Table By Nicholas Mueller

Works Cited

Mueller, Nicholas Sparkle, fizz, boom! The chemistry of fireworks.

Retrieved October 20, 2006,

Web site: http://www.engr.wisc.edu/wiscengr/issues/feb01/fireworks.html

Alan, B.J. (2006). Fireworks university: How to make fireworks - Chemistry in fireworks.

Retrieved October 20, 2006, from Phantom Fireworks

Web site: http://www.fireworks.com/safety/chemistry-fireworks.asp

Alan, B.J. (2006). Fireworks university: History of fireworks.

Retrieved October 20, 2006, from Phantom Fireworks

Web site: http://www.fireworks.com/safety/fireworks-history.asp

Bottom picture: Fireworks UK. Retrieved October 20, 2006, from Fireworks

Web site: http://www.fireworks.co.uk/abt/photography.html

Top picture: Howstuffworks How Firewors Work. Retrieved October 30, 2006,

from How Fireworks Work

Web site: http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/fireworks-1.jpg