Chapter 8: Colored Stars

Red star #1
Source: rec.pyrotechnics archive. Composition from Shimizu[1], page 215
Comments: The perchlorate can be substituted by chlorate without changing the color.
Preparation:

Potassium perchlorate.............................66
Red gum...........................................13
Lampblack.........................................2
Strontium carbonate...............................12
Polyvinyl chloride................................2
Soluble Glutinous Rice Starch.....................5

Red star #2
Source:
Comments:
Preparation: Dissolve shellac in boiling ethanol, add the other ingredients and proceed as usual. The stars take unexpectedly long to dry. They can be dried in the sun or in a vacuum. Smaller stars dry faster.

Potassium chlorate................................20
Strontium nitrate.................................60
Shellac...........................................20

Red star #3
Source:
Comments:
Preparation: Dissolve shellac in boiling ethanol, and add the other ingredients.

Potassium chlorate................................65
Strontium carbonate...............................15
Shellac...........................................20

Red star #4
Source:
Comments:
Preparation: Dissolve shellac in boiling ethanol, and add the other ingredients.

Potassium perchlorate.............................44
Strontium nitrate.................................31
Red gum...........................................15
Shellac (binder)..................................5
PVC or saran .....................................8 or 7

Red star #5
Source:
Comments:
Preparation: Add water. For priming "priming composition #7" from the chapter with miscellaneous compositions can be used.

Ammonium perchlorate..............................30
Potassium perchlorate.............................35
Strontium carbonate...............................18
Hexamine..........................................2
Charcoal, fine....................................2
Red gum...........................................16
Dextrin...........................................4

Red star #6
Source: "The pyroguide" (a document found on internet)
Comments: Dangerous mixture, since it contains both sulfur and a chlorate.
Preparation: Bind with shellac dissolved in ethanol.

Potassium chlorate................................9
Sulfur............................................2
Lampblack.........................................1
Strontium nitrate.................................9

Red star #7
Source: post on rec.pyrotechnics by Tommy Hakomaki <tommy.hakomaki@mailbox.swipnet.se. Composition from an old swedish book.
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium nitrate.................................36
Sulfur............................................30
Meal powder.......................................36
Strontium nitrate.................................40
Antimony sulfide..................................5
Charcoal..........................................12

Red star #8
Source: rec.pyrotechnics. Post by Andrew Krywonizka. Composition from Lancaster[2].
Comments: Produce as a cut star
Preparation:

Potassium perchlorate.............................70
Strontium carbonate...............................15
Red gum...........................................9
Charcoal 150 Mesh.................................2
Dextrin...........................................4

Red star #9
Source: rec.pyrotechnics. Post by Andrew Krywonizka. Composition from Lancaster[2].
Comments: Produce as a pressed star
Preparation:

Strontium nitrate.................................55
Magnesium.........................................28
PVC...............................................17

Red star #10
Source: PML, post by David Abate <daveab@ix.netcom.com.
Comments: Crackling stars can be made with this composition. The poster used large pistol primers (idea from Best of AFN II), coated with 70%KClO4/30% Dark aluminum for cores, and rolled these into stars with the star mixture. The stars were hard to ignite and needed priming.
Preparation:

Potassium perchlorate.............................68
Strontium carbonate...............................13
Red gum...........................................14
Dextrin...........................................5

Red star #11
Source: rec.pyrotechnics archive. Composition from Shimizu[1], page 217. It’s listed under the name "Red star brilliant".
Comments:
Preparation: The magnesium must be coated with linseed oil. Use an acetone or alcohol solvable binder.

Potassium perchlorate.............................30
Strontium nitrate (anhydride).....................20
Magnesium, 60 mesh................................30
PVC...............................................18
Lampblack or Paulownia coal.......................2

Red star #12
Source: rec.pyrotechnics archive. Composition from Shimizu[1], page 219. It’s listed under the name "Ammon red star brilliant".
Comments:
Preparation:

Ammonium perchlorate..............................41
Magnesium, 60 mesh................................33.3
Red gum...........................................9.5
Strontium carbonate...............................9.5
Potassium bichromate..............................1.9
Soluble glutinous rice starch.....................4.8

Green star #1
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 215
Comments:
Preparation:

Barium nitrate....................................28.3
Potassium Perchlorate.............................47.2
Parlon............................................4.7
Red Gum...........................................14.2
Soluble Glutinous Rice Starch.....................5.6

Green star #2
Source:
Comments: A simple but nice (somewhat yellowish) green.
Preparation: Dissolve shellac in boiling ethanol.

barium nitrate....................................7
potassium chlorate................................7
shellac...........................................2

Green star #3
Source:
Comments: The composition leaves lots of ash. Ammonium perchlorate improves it (- Green star #4).
Preparation: Mix Parlon with magnesium. Add 50 volume parts of acetone, mix well and mix in the other ingredients. If PVC is used, add the correct amount of the solution in THF to the other ingredients.

barium nitrate....................................50
lab grade magnesium powder........................32
Parlon or PVC.....................................18

Green star #4
Source:
Comments:
Preparation: Mix Parlon with magnesium. Add 60 volume parts of acetone for Parlon, mix well and mix in the other ingredients. If PVC is used, add the correct amount of the solution in THF to the other ingredients.

barium nitrate....................................56
lab grade magnesium powder........................32
Parlon or PVC ....................................17
ammonium perchlorate..............................25

Green star #5
Source:
Comments: This mixture can be improved using ammonium perchlorate (Green star #6).
Preparation: Add acetone. Prime with black powder. Aluminum should be very fine, preferably dark pyro grade.

Barium nitrate....................................65
Aluminum (very fine)..............................10
Parlon rubber.....................................20
Sulfur............................................4
Boric acid........................................2

Green star #6
Source:
Comments: Fierce burning.
Preparation: Add acetone. Prime with "Priming composition #7".

Barium nitrate....................................65
Saran.............................................20
Red gum...........................................3
Sulfur............................................7
Aluminum (very fine)..............................10
Ammonium perchlorate..............................15
Boric acid........................................2
Dextrin...........................................2

Green star #7
Source: PML, post by Charley Wilson <cwilson@celsvr.stortek.com.
Comments: Beautiful green. Direct substitution of barium nitrate with strontium nitrate produces a nice red.
Preparation: Dissolve shellac in boiling ethanol. Prime with potassium perchlorate based strobe prime

ammonium perchlorate..............................50
barium nitrate....................................35
shellac...........................................15

Green star #8
Source: "The Pyroguide" (a document found on internet)
Comments:
Preparation: Bind with alcohol.

Barium chlorate...................................8
Lampblack.........................................1
Shellac powder....................................1

Green star #9
Source: "The Pyroguide" (a document found on internet)
Comments:
Preparation: Bind with alcohol.

Barium nitrate....................................3
Potassium chlorate................................4
Shellac powder....................................1
Dextrin...........................................1/4

Green star #10
Source: post on rec.pyrotechnics by Tommy Hakomaki <tommy.hakomaki@mailbox.swipnet.se. Composition from an old swedish book.
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium nitrate.................................35
Sulfur............................................10
Mealpowder........................................40
Barium nitrate....................................50
Charcoal..........................................10

Green star #11
Source: rec.pyrotechnics, post by Bill Nelson <billn@peak.org, Composition from Davis[10].
Comments: This formulation is based on one given by Clark, who’s work is suspect.
Preparation:

Potassium perchlorate.............................6
Barium perchlorate................................12
Aluminum..........................................8
Dextrin...........................................2
Shellac...........................................1

Green star #12
Source: rec.pyrotechnics,post by Bill Nelson <billn@peak.org, Composition from "Pyrotechnica VII"[3] by JW Stone.
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium perchlorate.............................48
Barium nitrate....................................32
Red Gum...........................................14
Charcoal..........................................2
Parlon............................................12
Dextrin...........................................6
Sulfur............................................5

Green star #13
Source: rec.pyrotechnics,post by Bill Nelson <billn@peak.org, Composition from "Pyrotechnica VII"[3] by JW Stone.
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium perchlorate.............................28
Barium nitrate....................................16
Red Gum...........................................4
Charcoal..........................................1
Parlon............................................10
Dextrin...........................................3
Aluminum #809.....................................5

Green star #14
Source: rec.pyrotechnics,post by Bill Nelson <billn@peak.org, Composition from "Pyrotechnica VII"[3] by T. Fish.
Comments:
Preparation:

Barium nitrate....................................65
Parlon............................................20
Pyro Aluminum.....................................10
Red gum or sulfur.................................5
Boric acid........................................+2

Green star #15
Source: PML, post by Bill Ofca <ofca@csbh.mhv.net
Comments: Original name: 'Emerald green'. The mix is not very sensitive although chlorates are present.
Preparation: Dampen with 75/25 water/alcohol and cut or roll into 10mm stars. The red gum can be replaced with shellac. If shellac is used, dampen with 50/50 water alcohol.

Potassium perchlorate.............................22
Barium chlorate...................................43
Barium nitrate....................................9
Red gum...........................................22
Dextrin...........................................4

Green star #16
Source: rec.pyrotechnics archive. Composition from Shimizu[1], page 218. It’s listed under the name "Green star brilliant".
Comments:
Preparation: The magnesium must be coated with linseed oil. Use an acetone or alcohol solvable binder.

Potassium perchlorate.............................16
Barium nitrate....................................42
Magnesium, 60 mesh................................25
PVC...............................................15
Lampblack or Paulownia coal.......................2

Green star #17
Source: rec.pyrotechnics archive. Composition from Shimizu[1], page 219. It’s listed under the name "Ammon green star brilliant".
Comments:
Preparation: The magnesium must be coated with potassium dichromate.

Ammonium perchlorate..............................41
Magnesium, 60 mesh................................33.3
Red gum...........................................9.5
Barium carbonate..................................9.5
Potassium bichromate..............................1.9
Soluble glutinous rice starch.....................4.8

Blue star #1
Source: rec.pyrotechnics archive, post by LNiksch <lniksch@aol.com Composition from Shimizu[1], page 216. Listed under the name "blue star II"
Comments: LNiksch :"These stars burn much faster and more blue than any mix containing copper carbonate I have tried"
Preparation: Dampen with alcohol/water 70/30 to make cut or pumped stars.

Potassium perchlorate.............................66.5
Red gum...........................................9.9
Cupric oxide......................................13.4
Parlon............................................5.4
Soluble Glutinous Rice Starch or Dextrin .........5.6 or 4.8

Blue star #2
Source:
Comments:
Preparation: Add 25 volume parts of water to dextrin and mix in the other ingredients. Use more water if necessary.

Ammonium perchlorate..............................60
Sulfur............................................17
Copper(II)oxide...................................20
Dextrin (binder)..................................3
Red gum or Shellac................................6

Blue star #3
Source:
Comments:
Preparation: Mix red gum or shellac powder with Parlon. Add 50 volume parts of acetone, mix well and mix in the other ingredients.

potassium perchlorate.............................63
copper(II)oxide...................................13
Red gum or Shellac (powdered).....................10
Parlon or PVC.....................................14

Blue star #4
Source:
Comments:
Preparation:

potassium perchlorate.............................65
cuprous chloride (CuCl)...........................16
sulfur............................................10
Red gum...........................................7
Parlon or PVC.....................................11 or 12

Blue star #5
Source:
Comments:
Preparation: Add the PVC solution to the other ingredients. Allow some THF to evaporate, form a cake 1 cm thick and allow it to dry on a plastic plate (check that it doesn't dissolve in THF!). Remove the dry cake and cut it into stars with a pair of scissors.

Ammonium perchlorate..............................63
Copper(II)oxide...................................13
Sulfur............................................10
Dextrin...........................................10
PVC...............................................12

Blue star #6
Source: "The Pyroguide" (a document found on internet)
Comments: Dangerous mixture since it contains both sulfur and a chlorate.
Preparation: Bind with dextrin in water.

Potassium chlorate................................9
Copper Acetonarsenite.............................2
Mercurous chloride................................1
Sulfur............................................2

Blue star #7
Source: "The Pyroguide" (a document found on internet)
Comments: This one is inferior to "Blue star 6". Dangerous mixture since it contains both sulfur and a chlorate.
Preparation: Bind with dextrin in water.

Potassium chlorate................................12
Copper sulfate....................................6
Lead chloride.....................................1
Sulfur............................................4

Blue star #8
Source: rec.pyrotechnics. Posted by Tommy Hakomaki <tommy.hakomaki@mailbox.swipnet.se
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium nitrate.................................40
Sulfur............................................12
Mealpowder........................................40
Copper-ammonium nitrate...........................30
Charcoal..........................................10
Rosin.............................................5

Blue star #9
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 216. Listed under the name 'blue star I'
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium perchlorate.............................60.8
Red Gum...........................................9.0
Basic copper carbonate............................12.3
Parlon............................................13.1
Soluble glutinous rice starch.....................4.8

Blue star #10
Source: PML, posted by David Abate <daveab@ix.netcom.com.
Comments: Crackling stars can be made with this composition. The poster used large pistol primers (idea from Best of AFN II), coated with 70%KClO4/30% Dark aluminum for cores, and rolled these into stars with the star mixture. The stars were hard to ignite and needed priming. The color is a bit pale blue.
Preparation:

Potassium perchlorate.............................61
Copper carbonate..................................12
Parlon............................................13
Red gum...........................................9
Dextrin...........................................5

Blue star #11
Source: "Pyrotechnica #6"[3]
Comments: This composition seems just a slight modification of "Blue star #1".
Preparation:

Potassium perchlorate.............................67.3
Red gum...........................................10.0
Copper oxide......................................13.6
Parlon............................................9.1
Rice starch.......................................4.5

Blue star #12
Source: PML, posted by Charley Wilson <cwilson@celsvr.stortek.com
Comments:
Preparation:

Ammonium perchlorate..............................70
Copper(II)oxide...................................15
Shellac...........................................15

Blue star #13
Source: Greg Gallacci <psygreg@u.washington.edu
Comments: Makes a bright, robins-egg blue star, with a bushy flame.
Preparation:

Potassium perchlorate.............................70
Silicone..........................................10
Copper(II)oxide...................................10
PVC...............................................15

Blue star #14
Source: rec.pyrotechnics. Post by Erik D. Suni <esuni@lk-hp-26.hut.fi. Composition is a slightly modified version from a composition from "The best of AFN II"[14].
Comments:
Preparation: Moisten with water, and cut into 6 mm stars. Do not prime with meal powder. Use a potassium perchlorate based prime instead.

Potassium chlorate................................65
Copper oxychloride................................12.5
Lactose...........................................12.5
Dextrin...........................................5
Saran.............................................5

Blue star #15
Source: rec.pyrotechnics, post by Greg A. Gallacci <psygreg@u.washington.edu
Comments: Fimo is a PVC based modelling clay. The stars are brilliant blue ("Cop-lites blue"), with edges of flame tinted salmon. The stars need priming.
Preparation: Warm the Fimo slightly, to make it more mixable and mix it with the ammonium perchlorate without using solvents. Then mix in the malachite. Screen it several times and make pressed stars.

Ammonium perchlorate..............................70
Fimo..............................................20
Malachite, powdered...............................10

Blue star #16
Source: rec.pyrotechnics
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium Perchlorate.............................60
Copper Carbonate..................................20
PVC...............................................15
Dextrin...........................................5

Purple star #1
Source: "The Pyroguide" (a document found on internet)
Comments: Dangerous mixture since it contains both sulfur and a chlorate.
Preparation: Bind with dextrin in water. The ingredients must be very pure.

Potassium chlorate................................36
Strontium sulfate.................................10
Copper sulfate....................................5
Lead chloride.....................................2
Charcoal..........................................2
Sulfur............................................12

Purple star #2
Source: "The Pyroguide" (a document found on internet)
Comments: Dangerous mixture since it contains both sulfur and a chlorate.
Preparation: Bind with dextrin in water. The ingredients must be very pure.

Potassium chlorate................................38
Strontium carbonate...............................18
Copper chloride...................................4
Lead chloride.....................................2
Sulfur............................................14

Purple star #3
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 216. Listed under the name "Violet star I".
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium perchlorate.............................61.3
Red gum...........................................9.1
Basic copper carbonate............................5.0
Strontium carbonate...............................7.4
Parlon............................................12.4
Soluble glutinous rice starch.....................4.8

Purple star #4
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 216. Listed under the name "Violet star II" .
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium perchlorate.............................64.0
Red gum...........................................9.5
Copper(II)oxide...................................5.2
Strontium carbonate...............................7.8
Parlon............................................8.7
Soluble glutinous rice starch.....................4.8

Yellow star #1
Source:
Comments:
Preparation: Mix dextrin with 4 volume parts of water and mix in the other ingredients.

Potassium chlorate................................6
Sodium hydrogen carbonate.........................2
Dextrin...........................................2

Yellow star #2
Source: "The Pyroguide" (a document found on internet)
Comments:
Preparation: Bind with shellac in ethanol or dextrin in water.

Potassium chlorate................................8
Sodium oxalate....................................3
Lampblack.........................................2

Yellow star #3
Source: "The Pyroguide" (a document found on internet)
Comments:
Preparation: Bind with alcohol.

Potassium chlorate................................8
Sodium oxalate....................................4
Shellac powder....................................2
Dextrin...........................................1

Yellow star #4
Source: rec.pyrotechnics, posted by Tommy Hakomaki <tommy.hakomaki@mailbox.swipnet.se.
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium nitrate.................................48
Sulfur............................................24
Mealpowder........................................60
Charcoal..........................................10
Rosin.............................................2

Yellow star #5
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 215.
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium perchlorate.............................68
Red gum...........................................18
Lampblack.........................................2
Sodium nitrate....................................7
Soluble glutinous rice starch.....................5

Yellow star #6
Source: rec.pyrotechnics archive. Composition from Shimizu[1], page 217. It’s listed under the name "Yellow star brilliant".
Comments:
Preparation: The magnesium must be coated with linseed oil. Use an acetone or alcohol solvable binder.

Potassium perchlorate.............................45
Ultramarine.......................................13
Magnesium, 60 mesh................................30
PVC...............................................10
Lampblack or Paulownia coal.......................2

Yellow star #7
Source: rec.pyrotechnics archive. Composition from Shimizu[1], page 219. It’s listed under the name "Ammon yellow star brilliant".
Comments:
Preparation: The magnesium must be coated with potassium dichromate.

Ammonium perchlorate..............................41
Magnesium, 60 mesh................................33.3
Red gum...........................................9.5
Ultramarine.......................................9.5
Potassium bichromate..............................1.9
Soluble glutinous rice starch.....................4.8

Orange star #1
Source: "The Pyroguide" (a document found on internet)
Comments: Dangerous mixture since it contains both sulfur and a chlorate.
Preparation: Bind with alcohol.

Strontium nitrate.................................36
Sodium oxalate....................................8
Potassium chlorate................................5
Shellac powder....................................5
Sulfur............................................3

Orange/Red star
Source: rec.pyrotechnics archive. Posted by Greg Deputy <gdep@gemstar.gemstar.com
Comments: Sculpy is a PVC based modelling clay - "FIMO" will also work, but is more difficult to mix.
Preparation:

Strontium nitrate.................................35
Potassium perchlorate.............................40
"Sculpy"..........................................22
Fe2O3.............................................2

Salmon color star
Source: rec.pyrotechnics, post by Greg A. Gallacci <psygreg@u.washington.edu
Comments: Sculpy is a PVC based modelling clay. The result is a salmon-berry (reddish-orange) color.
Preparation: Warm the sculpy slightly, to make it more mixable and mix it with the ammonium perchlorate without using solvents. Screen it several times and make pressed stars. The stars can be baked in an oven at 135°C for 20 minutes, which will result in much harder, more ignitable, more intensely colored stars. Heating the stars is not recommended though, since it could cause the stars to ignite.

Ammonium perchlorate..............................75
"Super Sculpy"....................................25

White star #1
Source: rec.pyrotechnics
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium Nitrate.................................58
Aluminum..........................................40
Dextrin...........................................2

White star #2
Source: rec.pyrotechnics
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium Perchlorate.............................40
Magnesium.........................................32
Sulfur............................................16
Charcoal..........................................12

White star #3
Source: rec.pyrotechnics
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium Perchlorate.............................2
Aluminum..........................................1

White star #4
Source: rec.pyrotechnics
Comments:
Preparation:

Barium Nitrate....................................53
Potassium Nitrate.................................12
Magnesium 100-200 mesh............................28
Parlon............................................7
Acetone...........................................qs
50/50 alcohol/water...............................qs

White star #5
Source: rec.pyrotechnics
Comments:
Preparation:

Barium or Strontium Nitrate.......................60
Magnesium.........................................20
PVC...............................................20

White star #6
Source: rec.pyrotechnics
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium nitrate.................................59
Sulfur............................................30
Meal powder.......................................11

White star #7
Source: rec.pyrotechnics
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium perchlorate.............................61
Aluminum..........................................31
Lycopodium........................................8

White star #8
Source: "The Pyroguide" (a document found on internet)
Comments: Bind with dextrin in water
Preparation:

Potassium nitrate.................................6
Sulfur............................................1
Antimony sulfide..................................2

White star #9
Source: rec.pyrotechnics, posted by Tommy Hakomaki <tommy.hakomaki@mailbox.swipnet.se.
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium nitrate.................................42
Sulfur............................................18
Mealpowder........................................18

White star #10
Source: rec.pyrotechnics. Post by Erik D. Suni <esuni@lk-hp-26.hut.fi. Composition from "The best of AFN II"[14].
Comments: Meal powder priming should be sufficient.
Preparation:

Potassium nitrate.................................28
Antinony sulfide..................................6
Sulfur............................................8
Dextrin...........................................1.5

Brilliant white star
Source: "The Pyroguide" (a document found on internet)
Comments: Bind with dextrin in water
Preparation:

Potassium perchlorate.............................4
Aluminum dust.....................................4
Dextrin...........................................1

Orange star #2
Source: rec.pyrotechnics
Comments: These compositions are part of a matched set invented by Robert Veline. The compositions mix compatibly to produce a wide range of other colors. Examples are given below. The wood meal in the prime (see miscellaneous compositions) makes the stars a little 'fuzzy', making the stars much more easy to ignite. Without the wood meal prime the stars are often blown blind.
Preparation:

Potassium Perchlorate.............................75
Cryolite..........................................10
Shellac...........................................15

Yellow star #8
Source: rec.pyrotechnics
Comments: These compositions are part of a matched set invented by Robert Veline. The compositions mix compatibly to produce a wide range of other colors. Examples are given below. The wood meal in the prime (see miscellaneous compositions) makes the stars a little 'fuzzy', making the stars much more easy to ignite. Without the wood meal prime the stars are often blown blind.
Preparation:

Potassium Perchlorate.............................70
Cryolite..........................................10
PVC...............................................10
Shellac...........................................10

Veline's red star
Source: rec. pyrotechnics, post by Lloyd E. Sponenburgh <lloyds@fiscalinfo.com. This set of compositions was invented by Robert Veline and is used in Kosankie's 'Chemistry of Fireworks (Chemistry of color) class'.
Comments: These compositions are part of a matched set invented by Robert Veline. The compositions mix compatibly to produce a wide range of other colors. Examples are given below. The wood meal in the prime (see miscellaneous compositions) makes the stars a little 'fuzzy', making the stars much more easy to ignite. Without the wood meal prime the stars are often blown blind.
Preparation: Summary of Robert Veline's own comments: "Potassium perchlorate is a fine powder. Parlon is Hercules brand or Superchlon brand from Ishihara co. ltd. Red gum is a fine powder. Copper(II)oxide may be substituted by copper carbonate without much change in performance. Calcium carbonate is 200 mesh, 'Whiting'. More pure forms slow the burn rate and degrade the color."

Potassium perchlorate.............................55
Strontium carbonate...............................15
Parlon............................................15
Red gum...........................................9
Magnalium (50/50), 200 mesh.......................6
Dextrin...........................................+4

Veline's orange star
Source: rec. pyrotechnics, post by Lloyd E. Sponenburgh <lloyds@fiscalinfo.com. This set of compositions was invented by Robert Veline and is used in Kosankie's 'Chemistry of Fireworks (Chemistry of color) class'.
Comments: These compositions are part of a matched set invented by Robert Veline. The compositions mix compatibly to produce a wide range of other colors. Examples are given below. The wood meal in the prime (see miscellaneous compositions) makes the stars a little 'fuzzy', making the stars much more easy to ignite. Without the wood meal prime the stars are often blown blind.
Preparation: Summary of Robert Veline's own comments: "Potassium perchlorate is a fine powder. Parlon is Hercules brand or Superchlon brand from Ishihara co. ltd. Red gum is a fine powder. Copper(II)oxide may be substituted by copper carbonate without much change in performance. Calcium carbonate is 200 mesh, 'Whiting'. More pure forms slow the burn rate and degrade the color."

Potassium perchlorate.............................55
Calcium carbonate.................................15
Parlon............................................15
Red gum...........................................9
Magnalium (50/50), 200 mesh.......................6
Dextrin...........................................+4

Veline's green star
Source: rec. pyrotechnics, post by Lloyd E. Sponenburgh <lloyds@fiscalinfo.com. This set of compositions was invented by Robert Veline and is used in Kosankie's 'Chemistry of Fireworks (Chemistry of color) class'.
Comments: These compositions are part of a matched set invented by Robert Veline. The compositions mix compatibly to produce a wide range of other colors. Examples are given below. The wood meal in the prime (see miscellaneous compositions) makes the stars a little 'fuzzy', making the stars much more easy to ignite. Without the wood meal prime the stars are often blown blind.
Preparation: Summary of Robert Veline's own comments: "Potassium perchlorate is a fine powder. Parlon is Hercules brand or Superchlon brand from Ishihara co. ltd. Red gum is a fine powder. Copper(II)oxide may be substituted by copper carbonate without much change in performance. Calcium carbonate is 200 mesh, 'Whiting'. More pure forms slow the burn rate and degrade the color."

Potassium perchlorate.............................30
Barium nitrate....................................24
Barium carbonate..................................15
Parlon............................................15
Red gum...........................................5
Magnalium (50/50), 200 mesh.......................11
Dextrin...........................................+4

Veline's blue star
Source: rec. pyrotechnics, post by Lloyd E. Sponenburgh <lloyds@fiscalinfo.com. This set of compositions was invented by Robert Veline and is used in Kosankie's 'Chemistry of Fireworks (Chemistry of color) class'.
Comments: These compositions are part of a matched set invented by Robert Veline. The compositions mix compatibly to produce a wide range of other colors. Examples are given below. The wood meal in the prime (see miscellaneous compositions) makes the stars a little 'fuzzy', making the stars much more easy to ignite. Without the wood meal prime the stars are often blown blind.
Preparation: Summary of Robert Veline's own comments: "Potassium perchlorate is a fine powder. Parlon is Hercules brand or Superchlon brand from Ishihara co. ltd. Red gum is a fine powder. Copper(II)oxide may be substituted by copper carbonate without much change in performance. Calcium carbonate is 200 mesh, 'Whiting'. More pure forms slow the burn rate and degrade the color."

Potassium perchlorate.............................55
Copper(II)oxide...................................15
Parlon............................................15
Red gum...........................................9
Magnalium (50/50), 200 mesh.......................6
Dextrin...........................................+4

Veline's mixed colors
Source: rec. pyrotechnics, post by Lloyd E. Sponenburgh <lloyds@fiscalinfo.com.
Comments: These are a few examples of the colors that can be obtained by mixing a few of Robert Veline's set of star compositions.
Preparation:

Yellow............................................55 green, 45 orange
Chartreuse........................................80 green, 20 orange
Aqua..............................................80 green,20 blue
Turquoise.........................................55 green, 45 blue
Magenta...........................................50 red, 50 blue
Maroon............................................85 red, 15 blue
Peach.............................................60 orange, 25 red, 15 blue
Purple............................................5 orange, 15 red, 80 blue

White flare star
Source: "Vuurwerk door de eeuwen heen"[11]
Comments: Dangerous mixture since it contains both sulfur and a chlorate.
Preparation: Wet with solution of shellac in ethanol. ±20g Shellac per liter of ethanol.

Potassium nitrate.................................165
Sulfur............................................31
Barium nitrate....................................455
Barium chlorate...................................31
Magnesium powder..................................18
Aluminum medium course............................5
Aluminum fine.....................................25

Gold flitter star
Source:
Comments: The particle sizes of aluminum powders will markedly affect the result. If Al bronze is available, you can use all 16 parts of it instead of the two different Al powders.
Preparation: Add water and proceed as usual.

Potassium nitrate, fine...........................16
Sulfur............................................3
Charcoal, powdered................................2
Sodium oxalate or Ultramarine.....................4 or 2
Fine, grey aluminum powder (preferably pyro Aluminum).....11
Flake Aluminum or medium Al powder (Al bronze works well).....5
Dextrin...........................................4

Zinc spreader star #1
Source: "The Pyroguide" (a document found on internet)
Comments: The stars spread pieces of burning zinc and charcoal. These stars are much heavier than usual, and require larger lifter charges if they're to be fired from a tube.
Preparation: Bind with water.

Zinc dust.........................................72
Potassium chlorate................................15
Potassium dichromate..............................12
Granular charcoal.................................12
Dextrin...........................................2

Zinc spreader star #2
Source: "The Pyroguide" (a document found on internet)
Comments:
Preparation: Bind with dextrin in water.

Potassium nitrate.................................14
Zinc dust.........................................40
Charcoal..........................................7
Sulfur............................................4

Zinc spreader star #3
Source: "The Pyroguide" (a document found on internet)
Comments: Bind with dextrin in water.
Preparation:

Potassium chlorate................................5
Potassium dichromate..............................4
Charcoal, medium..................................4
Zinc dust.........................................24

Willow tree star
Source: "The Pyroguide" (a document found on internet)
Comments: Dangerous mixture since it contains both sulfur and a chlorate.
Preparation: Bind with dextrin in water.

Potassium chlorate................................10
Potassium nitrate.................................5
Sulfur............................................1
Lampblack.........................................18

Soft willow lampblack star
Source: "Mesquite charcoal" from Tom Perigrin’s homepage.
Comments:
Preparation: Use a meal powder prime. 1 part shellac can be used instead of 5 parts, burning time will be reduced by 2 sec. Standard willow method: mix the components, wet with alcohol/water screen pulverone style, dry, mill for 3 hours then make cut stars. Adding extra charcoal might slow the burn, giving a better tail.

Charcoal..........................................25
Dextrin...........................................5
Potassium nitrate.................................10
Potassium perchlorate.............................30
Lampblack.........................................30
Shellac...........................................5

Lampblack willow star
Source: PML, post by Bill Ofca <ofca@csbh.mhv.net
Comments:
Preparation: Dampen with 50/50 water/alcohol as it is rolled over a (chlorate) core star or stars containing NO sulfur or sulfur compounds. It helps to slightly dampen the lampblack with pure alcohol before it is mixed with the other dry ingredients. Once thoroughly mixed, it should still flow as a powder, or too much alcohol was used. If that happens, allow it to evaporate for awhile until it can be sprinkled on the rolling stars.

Lampblack.........................................12
Potassium chlorate................................8
Potassium nitrate.................................1
Dextrin...........................................1

Silver shower star #1
Source:
Comments:
Preparation: Add water and proceed as usual. The particle size and surface area of the reactants has a profound effect on the results.

Potassium nitrate.................................35
Fine charcoal.....................................8
Boric acid........................................2
Sulfur............................................7
Potassium perchlorate.............................60
Fine pyro Aluminum (atomised Aluminum, 0.1 mm)....20
Fine flake aluminum (Al bronze)...................25
Coarse flake Aluminum.............................15
Dextrin...........................................10

Silver shower star #2
Source: PML, post by Charley Wilson <cwilson@celsvr.stortek.com.
Comments: The particle size of the aluminum is not very critical.
Preparation: Dissolve shellac in boiling ethanol, mix in the other ingredients and proceed as usual. Shellac stars take a long time to dry; try drying in the sun. Prime with a perchlorate based strobe prime.

Ammonium perchlorate..............................65
Fine aluminum powder or flake aluminum (not too coarse).....22
Shellac...........................................18

Silver shower star #3
Source:
Comments:
Preparation: Add water and proceed as usual.

Flitter Aluminum (or any grade except the finest pyro grades).....15
Potassium nitrate.................................55
Boric acid........................................2
Fine charcoal.....................................10
Dextrin...........................................5

Electric star #1
Source: "The Pyroguide" (a document found on internet)
Comments:
Preparation: Bind with dextrin in water.

Potassium nitrate.................................15
Aluminum, fine....................................2
Aluminum, medium..................................1
Black powder......................................2
Antimony sulfide..................................3
Sulfur............................................4

Electric star #2
Source: "The Pyroguide" (a document found on internet)
Comments:
Preparation: Bind with red gum in water.

Potassium chlorate................................60
Barium nitrate....................................5
Aluminum, fine....................................9
Aluminum, medium..................................4
Aluminum, coarse..................................3
Charcoal..........................................2
Dextrin...........................................5

Electric star #3
Source: "The Pyroguide" (a document found on internet)
Comments:
Preparation: Bind with shellac in alcohol.

Potassium perchlorate.............................6
Barium nitrate....................................1
Aluminum..........................................20
Dextrin...........................................1

Electric star #4
Source: "The Pyroguide" (a document found on internet)
Comments:
Preparation: Bind with shellac in alcohol.

Potassium perchlorate.............................4
Aluminum, medium..................................2
Dextrin...........................................1

Firefly #1
Source: rec.pyrotechnics archive. Posted by Eric Eisack.
Comments:
Preparation: Aluminum is large flake. It was sieved through a windowscreen. This gives about 30 mesh powder.

Potassium nitrate.................................50
Charcoal,air float................................29
Charcoal, 80 mesh.................................10.5
Sulfur............................................6
Aluminum (large flake)............................4.5
Dextrin or CMC....................................+5 or +1

Firefly #2
Source: rec.pyrotechnics archive. Posted by Dan Bucciano.
Comments: Can also be used as rocket propellant: Mix the chemicals, dampen, and granulate through a 20 mesh screen and dry. Use +3% by weight as a tail effect. Once you have passed the top core of the rocket by 1/2 inch, you may ram 100% firefly formula the rest of the way. You will end up with a beautiful long trailing tail of firefly.
Preparation:

Potassium Nitrate.................................47
Air Float Charcoal................................33
Antimony tri-sulfide..............................5.8
Aluminum (400 mesh,12 micron, spherical)..........4.2
Sulfur............................................4.7
Dextrin...........................................5.2

Firefly #3
Source: PML Digest 391, post by L.Niksch <LNiksch@aol.com. This formula is provided with the "firefly aluminum" from Skylighter.
Comments:
Preparation: Ball mill potassium nitrate, Air Float charcoal, sulfur and Dextrin together for 1 hour. Then add the 36 mesh Charcoal and firefly aluminum and mix with a spoon. Add water to make a dough mix and cut with a knife into 3/8" cut stars. Separate stars and dry for 3-4 days. The effect is a long tiger tail going up and firefly sparkles coming down. Larger stars take longer to dry, and a damp star produces very little firefly effect.

Potassium nitrate.................................49
Charcoal, air float...............................29
Charcoal, 36 Mesh.................................11
Sulfur............................................9
Dextrin...........................................10
Aluminum, firefly.................................5

Glitter star
Source: rec.pyrotechnics archive, post by Tommy Hakomaki <tommy.hakomaki@mailbox.swipnet.se
Comments:
Preparation: Wet with ethanol/water (70/30)

Potassium nitrate.................................55
Aluminum 200-400 mesh.............................5
Dextrin...........................................4
Antimony(III)sulfide..............................16
Sulfur............................................10
Lampblack.........................................10

Red Pill Box star
Source: rec.pyrotechnics archive. Composition from Lancaster[2]
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium chlorate................................64
Strontium carbonate...............................19
Red gum...........................................13
Dextrin...........................................4

Sparkler star
Source: rec.pyrotechnics archive.
Comments: Use course aluminum, fine aluminum will only result in a flash.
Preparation:

Potassium perchlorate.............................60
Aluminum, course..................................30
Dextrin...........................................10

White flitter star
Source: Tom’s Perigrin's homepage. Composition from Weingart[5].
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium nitrate.................................17
Sulfur............................................3
Charcoal..........................................3
Aluminum, course..................................4
Aluminum flake, fine..............................10
Dextrin...........................................1

White comet #1
Source: rec.pyrotechnics
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium nitrate.................................96
Fine charcoal.....................................44
Sulfur............................................15
Dextrin...........................................10

White comet #2
Source: rec.pyrotechnics
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium nitrate.................................40
Fine charcoal.....................................24
Sulfur............................................8
Dextrin...........................................9

'Dragon eggs' star (Crackling star)
Source: rec.pyrotechnics. Composition from "The best of AFN III"[12], page 121
Comments: Sometimes, Bi2O3 is used instead of Pb3O4. The composition is extremely sensitive, both to friction and impact. It is also quite poisonous and explosive. Gloves and an air mask must be worn at all times when handling this mixture since the mixture contains the very toxic Pb3O4.
Preparation: Add lacquer untill the thickness is like wood putty. Pass the mix through a screen and dry it to make 1mm squares. These will explode with a sharp crack shortly after lighting and can be used as star cores.

Pb3O4.............................................81.8
Magnalium (50/50, 100-200 Mesh)...................9.1
Copper(II)oxide...................................9.1
Nitrocellulose lacquer binder.....................10% by volume

Blue star with charcoal tail
Source: rec.pyrotechnics, posted by sweden <sweden@synchron.ct.se. Source of this composition is Bruce Snowden
Comments:
Preparation: Add isopropyl alcohol for binding. Cut, round and pumped stars can be made with this composition, but a typical KClO4/Red gum/Charcoal/dextrin prime will be necessary. A final layer of sodium nitrate/sulfur/Charcoal (85/5/10), moistened with NC/acetone lacker (w. about 3% NC) can be added. This adds yellowish sparks. Mealpowder can be used instead if the yellow sparks are not desired.

Ammonium perchlorate..............................70
Basic copper carbonate............................10
Red Gum...........................................10
Charcoal..........................................10
Dextrin...........................................+5

Electric purple star
Source: Quoted in an AFN Yearbook from David Bleser on "Protecting Electric Puple Decomposition"
Comments: When very fine powdered ammonium perchlorate was used in a an attempt to try to increase the burning rate of stars an ammoniacal smell and an increase in temperature was noticed. The batch of stars was safely disposed of. By adding 5% potassium dichromate and 1% boric acid the reactions were prevented.
Preparation:

Ammonium perchlorate..............................68
Copper benzoate...................................8
Strontium carbonate...............................12
Magnalium (200-400 Mesh)..........................5
Hexamine..........................................7
Dextrin...........................................+5

Brilliant core
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 219.
Comments: This composition can be used for the cores of round stars. It gives a strong flash of light. The cores burn quickly and are self propelled when they are unevenly ignited. To prevent that, these cores should be coated with 'Brilliant core prime' (see miscellaneous compositions) untill they are round.
Preparation:

Barium nitrate....................................66
Aluminum, fine flake..............................27
Boric acid........................................1
Soluble glutinous rice starch.....................6

Silver star core
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 220.
Comments: This composition can be used for the cores of round stars. It burns less quickly than the ‘brilliant core’, and produces a silver flame.
Preparation:

Potassium perchlorate.............................56
Rosin (BL combustion agent).......................5
Aluminum (fine flake).............................32
Lampblack.........................................2
Soluble glutinous rice starch.....................5

Silver wave
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 220.
Comments: This composition produces a silver fire dust. A large silver fire dust flame of short duration is obtained. When the ratio perchlorate to aluminum is changed to 35/65 a small flame with yellowish fire dust of long duration is obtained.
Preparation:

Potassium perchlorate.............................50
Aluminum (somewhat coarse flake)..................50
Soluble glutinous rice starch.....................+5%

Golden wave #1
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 221
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium nitrate.................................37
Aluminum (somewhat coarse flake)..................47
Antimony trisulfide...............................9
Boric acid........................................1
Soluble glutinous rice starch.....................6

Golden wave #2
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 221.
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium nitrate.................................37
Aluminum (somewhat coarse flake)..................47
Sulfur............................................9
Boric acid........................................1
Soluble glutinous rice starch.....................6

Golden wave #3
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 221.
Comments: A somewhat reddish gold effect is obtained with this composition.
Preparation:

Potassium nitrate.................................37
Aluminum (somewhat coarse flake)..................47
Realgar...........................................9
Boric acid........................................1
Soluble glutinous rice starch.....................6

Golden chrysanthemum
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 221.
Comments: This produces a brilliant yellow fire dust.
Preparation:

Potassium nitrate.................................40
Aluminum (somewhat coarse flake)..................30
Sulfur............................................10
Realgar...........................................10
Hemp coal (or pauownia coal)......................2
Boric acid........................................1
Soluble glutinous rice starch.....................7

Charcoal fire dust #1
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 221. Listed under the name "Chrysanthemum 6". The 6 in that name comes from the ratio of charcoal to potassium nitrate, which is 6:10.
Comments: A reddish fire dust is obtained, which is relatively shortlived. When willow charcoal is used instead of pine, long lived fire dust is obtained.
Preparation: To obtain the fire dust, the potassium nitrate must be soaked into the charcoal. Hence a wet proces must be used for mixing.

Potassium nitrate.................................55
Sulfur............................................7
Pine charcoal.....................................33
Soluble glutinous rice starch.....................5

Charcoal fire dust #2
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 221. Listed under the name "Chrysanthemum 8". The 8 in that name comes from the ratio of charcoal to potassium nitrate, which is 8:10.
Comments: A reddish fire dust is obtained, which is relatively shortlived. When willow charcoal is used instead of pine, long lived fire dust is obtained.
Preparation: To obtain the fire dust, the potassium nitrate must be soaked into the charcoal. Hence a wet proces must be used for mixing.

Preparation: Potassium nitrate....................49
Sulfur............................................6
Pine charcoal.....................................40
Soluble glutinous rice starch.....................5

Charcoal fire dust #3
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 221. Listed under the name "Chrysanthemum of mystery".
Comments: A weak fire dust is obtained since the composition contains no sulfur. It creates a different and lonely effect.
Preparation: To obtain the fire dust, the potassium nitrate must be soaked into the charcoal. Hence a wet proces must be used for mixing.

Potassium nitrate.................................45
Pine charcoal.....................................50
Soluble glutinous rice starch.....................5

Charcoal fire dust #4
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 221. Listed under the name "Tiger tail".
Comments:
Preparation: To obtain the fire dust, the potassium nitrate must be soaked into the charcoal. Hence a wet proces must be used for mixing.

Potassium nitrate.................................44
Sulfur............................................6
Pine charcoal.....................................44
Soluble glutinous rice starch.....................6

Charcoal fire dust #5
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 221. Listed under the name "Willow".
Comments:
Preparation: To obtain the fire dust, the potassium nitrate must be soaked into the charcoal. Hence a wet proces must be used for mixing.

Potassium nitrate.................................35
Sulfur............................................12
Pine charcoal.....................................45
Soluble glutinous rice starch.....................8

Silver wave chrysanthemum
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 222.
Comments: A fire dust with sparks from the metal powder is obtained. It looks as if red, yellow and green twinkling fire particles were mixed together.
Preparation: The potassium nitrate, sulfur and pine charcoal are previously mixed densily as in the manufacture of black powder.

Potassium nitrate.................................50
Sulfur............................................17.5
Pine charcoal.....................................7.5
Aluminum (somewhat coarse flake)..................7.5
Magnalium.........................................1.5
Antimony trisulfude...............................2.5
Realgar...........................................7.5
Soluble glutinous rice starch.....................6.0

Metal fire dust No.32
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 221. Listed under the name "Winokur’s compositions". They originated from "The pyrotechnic phenomenon of glitter" by R. M. Winokur from Pyrotechnica No 2, february 1978
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium nitrate.................................38
Sulfur............................................13
Charcoal..........................................10
Barium nitrate....................................14
Aluminum, Atomized................................12
Red Iron Oxide, Fe2O3.............................8
Dextrin...........................................5

Metal fire dust No.33
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 221. Listed under the name "Winokur’s compositions". They originated from "The pyrotechnic phenomenon of glitter" by R. M. Winokur from Pyrotechnica No 2, february 1978
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium nitrate.................................43
Sulfur............................................10
Charcoal..........................................10
Barium nitrate....................................13
Aluminum, Atomized................................13
Red Iron Oxide, Fe2O3.............................7
Dextrin...........................................4

Metal fire dust No.34
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 221. Listed under the name "Winokur’s compositions". They originated from "The pyrotechnic phenomenon of glitter" by R. M. Winokur from Pyrotechnica No 2, february 1978
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium nitrate.................................40
Sulfur............................................10
Charcoal..........................................10
Barium nitrate....................................16
Aluminum, Atomized................................12
Red Iron Oxide, Fe2O3.............................7
Dextrin...........................................5

Metal fire dust No.35
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 221. Listed under the name "Winokur’s compositions". They originated from "The pyrotechnic phenomenon of glitter" by R. M. Winokur from Pyrotechnica No 2, february 1978
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium nitrate.................................36
Sulfur............................................13
Charcoal..........................................10
Barium nitrate....................................16
Aluminum, Atomized................................12
Red Iron Oxide, Fe2O3.............................8
Dextrin...........................................5

Metal fire dust No.38
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 221. Listed under the name "Winokur’s compositions". They originated from "The pyrotechnic phenomenon of glitter" by R. M. Winokur from Pyrotechnica No 2, february 1978
Comments:
Preparation:

Potassium nitrate.................................40
Sulfur............................................12
Charcoal..........................................12
Barium nitrate....................................13
Aluminum, Atomized................................12
Red Iron Oxide, Fe2O3.............................7
Dextrin...........................................4

Matrix comet composition #1
Source: PML 8 oct 96, post by Myke Stanbridge <mykestan@cleo.murdoch.edu.au
Comments: A matrix comet consists of a matrix composition in which colored microstars are embedded. It produces a colored tail when fired. The microstars must be slow-burning while the matrix must be very fast burning. The matrix must either emit as little light as possible or a lot of light in a color that is compatible with the color of the microstars. The following green matrix composition from c1995 is a good starting point for further experimentation.
Preparation: Exfoliated mica is also called Vermiculite. It is usually obtained from 'mineral products' suppliers in graded sizes from around 5 to 10 millimetres. It requires comminution in a coffee mill, followed by screening. The guar binder, although very effective in low amounts, has a very slow drying profile and a tendency to produce a 'skin' that prevents 'radiant heat source' drying. To dry the comets uniformly requires a fan circulated 'dry air' drier. Large 3" comets might take two months to dry properly depending on the circumstances.

Potasium chlorate, passing 200 mesh...............50
Barium benzoate, passing 100 mesh.................23
Barium carbonate, passing 200 mesh................10
Exfoliated mica, pass 80 mesh, hold 120 mesh......10
Bentonite clay - wyoming, passing 200 mesh........6
Guar gum fine WW250F, passing 200 mesh............1

Matrix comet composition #2
Source: PML 8 oct 96, post by Myke Stanbridge <mykestan@cleo.murdoch.edu.au
Comments: A matrix comet consists of a matrix composition in which colored microstars are embedded. It produces a colored tail when fired. The microstars must be slow-burning while the matrix must be very fast burning. The matrix must either emit as little light as possible or a lot of light in a color that is compatible with the color of the microstars. The following green matrix composition from c1995 is a good starting point for further experimentation.
Preparation: Exfoliated mica is also called Vermiculite. It is usually obtained from 'mineral products' suppliers in graded sizes from around 5 to 10 millimetres. It requires comminution in a coffee mill, followed by screening. The guar binder, although very effective in low amounts, has a very slow drying profile and a tendency to produce a 'skin' that prevents 'radiant heat source' drying. To dry the comets uniformly requires a fan circulated 'dry air' drier. Large 3" comets might take two months to dry properly depending on the circumstances.

Potasium perchlorate, passing 100 mesh............50
Zirconium silicate, passing 325 mesh..............30
Polykarbenite-3 - Armex, passing 200 mesh.........10
Barium carbonate, passing 200 mesh................9
Guar gum fine WW250F, passing 200 mesh............1

Twinkling green star #1
Source: rec.pyrotechnics, posted by Bill Nelson <billn@peak.org, from "Pyrotechnica VII"[3] by T. Fish
Comments: Magnesium reacts slowly with ammonium perchlorate producing ammonia and magnesium perchlorate, especially in the presence of moisture. Thus, the twinklers cannot be stored for more than 6 months, and they must be kept in a closed bag. During the smoulder phase, magnesium reacts with ammonium perchlorate in the dark. In the flash phase, magnesium reacts with barium sulfate, producing hot MgO and creating a green flame. The flash is followed by another cycle, since the flash rapidly consumes the reactants in the flash zone.
Preparation: 1) Binder solution: Dissolve 3 parts of nitrocellulose (smokeless powder or celluloid film) into 30 parts (w/v) of boiling acetone. If you're going to prepare these stars more than once, prepare more of the solution, since nitrocellulose dissolves slowly even in refluxing acetone. Approx. 30 parts of the solution (v/w) is used each time. Nitrocellulose is used as a binder, since other binders tend to interfere with the twinkling. 2) Mix the ingredients into the binder solution in the order they appear here. Proceed as usual. Note that acetone evaporates very rapidly and the stars usually dry within a few hours.

Magnesium powder (any lab grade powder)...........23
Ammonium perchlorate..............................60
Barium sulfate....................................17

Twinkling green star #2
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 224. Listed as "Twinklers of the ammonium perchlorate base, green"
Comments: Frequenty: 3.1 Hz.
Preparation: Add 25 parts 10% nitrocellulose solution in acetone to 100 parts of the composition, and make cut stars. Roll these stars in "priming composition #8", using the same NC paste until stars are round. Add a final layer of black powder in NC paste to ensure ignition.

Magnesium, 60 mesh (treated with potassium bichromate).....23
Ammonium perchlorate..............................60
Barium sulfate....................................17
Potassium dichromate (as a stabilizer)............+5%

Twinkling green star #3
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 225. Listed as "Twinklers of the nitrate base, green"
Comments:
Preparation: Add 25 parts 10% nitrocellulose solution in acetone to 100 parts of the composition, and make cut stars. Roll these stars in "priming composition #8", using the same NC paste until stars are round. Add a final layer of black powder in NC paste to ensure ignition.

Magnalium.........................................18 (coated with linseed oil) Barium nitrate[40
BHC (Benzene hexachloride)........................5
Sulfur............................................30
Antimony trisulfide...............................7
•Twinkling red star Class:10.....................50

Twinkling red star
Source: PML 383, composition comes from a post to rec.pyrotechnics by Myke Stanbridge <mykestan@cleo.murdoch.edu.au in '95
Comments:
Preparation: Magnesium was treated with cold 10% w/w K2Cr2O7 in deionised water for 2 hours.

Ammonium perchlorate, 100 mesh....................50
Magnesium metal, 120 mesh.........................23
Strontium sulfate, 100 mesh.......................18
Genchlor GC 700-200, 160 mesh.....................2
Winchester DB-231 as grain pwd....................7
Acetone, water free technical.....................+20% (w/w)

Twinkling white star #1
Source: PML, posted by Harry Galliam <HEGilliam@aol.com. Composition from Bleser[13], page 22. Listed as "formulation #26; white strobe".
Comments:
Preparation: The magnalium needs to be treated with potassium dichromate before mixing.

Barium nitrate....................................51
Sulfur............................................19
Magnalium, 100 Mesh...............................18
Potassium nitrate.................................7
Dextrin...........................................5

Twinkling white star #2
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 224. Listed as "Twinklers of the ammonium perchlorate base, white"
Comments: Frequenty: 9.7 Hz.
Preparation: Add 25 parts 10% nitrocellulose solution in acetone to 100 parts of the composition, and make cut stars. Roll these stars in "priming composition #8", using the same NC paste until stars are round. Add a final layer of black powder in NC paste to ensure ignition.

Magnalium, 80 mesh (treated with potassium bichromate).....25
Ammonium perchlorate..............................60
Barium sulfate....................................15
Potassium dichromate (as a stabilizer)............+5%

Twinkling red star
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 224. Listed as "Twinklers of the ammonium perchlorate base, red"
Comments: Frequenty: 3.5 Hz.
Preparation: Add 25 parts 10% nitrocellulose solution in acetone to 100 parts of the composition, and make cut stars. Roll these stars in "priming composition #8", using the same NC paste until stars are round. Add a final layer of black powder in NC paste to ensure ignition.

Magnesium, 60 mesh (treated with potassium bichromate).....30
Ammonium perchlorate..............................50
Strontium sulfate.................................20
Potassium dichromate (as a stabilizer)............+5%

Twinkling orange star
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 224. Listed as "Twinklers of the ammonium perchlorate base, orange"
Comments: Frequenty: 6.9 Hz.
Preparation: Add 25 parts 10% nitrocellulose solution in acetone to 100 parts of the composition, and make cut stars. Roll these stars in "priming composition #8", using the same NC paste until stars are round. Add a final layer of black powder in NC paste to ensure ignition.

Magnesium, 60 mesh (treated with potassium bichromate).....30
Ammonium perchlorate..............................60
Calcium sulfate...................................10
Potassium dichromate (as a stabilizer)............+5%

Twinkling yellow star #1
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 224. Listed as "Twinklers of the ammonium perchlorate base, yellow"
Comments: Frequenty: 3.5 Hz.
Preparation: Add 25 parts 10% nitrocellulose solution in acetone to 100 parts of the composition, and make cut stars. Roll these stars in "priming composition #8", using the same NC paste until stars are round. Add a final layer of black powder in NC paste to ensure ignition.

Magnesium, 60 mesh (treated with potassium bichromate).....40
Ammonium perchlorate..............................50
Sodium sulfate....................................10
Potassium dichromate (as a stabilizer)............+5%

Twinkling yellow star #2
Source: Composition from Shimizu[1], page 225. Listed as "Twinklers of the nitrate base, yellow"
Comments:
Preparation: Add 25 parts 10% nitrocellulose solution in acetone to 100 parts of the composition, and make cut stars. Roll these stars in "priming composition #8", using the same NC paste until stars are round. Add a final layer of black powder in NC paste to ensure ignition.

Magnalium (coated with linseed oil)...............12
Barium nitrate....................................33
Potassium nitrate.................................7
BHC (Benzene hexachloride)........................11
Sulfur............................................27
Antimony trisulfide...............................5
Sodium oxalate....................................5

Twinkling blue star
Source: Composition in handwriting in the copy of Shimizu[1], present in the library of the Technical University of Delft.
Comments:
Preparation: Add 25 parts 10% nitrocellulose solution in acetone to 100 parts of the composition, and make cut stars. Roll these stars in "priming composition #8", using the same NC paste until stars are round. Add a final layer of black powder in NC paste to ensure ignition.

Magnesium, 60 mesh (treated with potassium bichromate).....23
Ammonium perchlorate..............................60
Copper sulfate....................................17
Potassium dichromate (as a stabilizer)............+5%

Golden twinkler star
Source: "The Pyroguide" (a document found on internet)
Comments: Bind with water. The stars fall through the air and burn in an "on and off" manner. The effect is spectacular.
Preparation: The stars must be pumped or cut.

Potassium nitrate.................................18
Sulfur............................................3
Lampblack.........................................3
Aluminum..........................................3
Antimony sulfide..................................3
Sodium oxalate....................................4

Red, organically fuelled stars