Colored flames

October 7, 2003 7:14 AM

Cold enough yet to warm yourself by a fire? Why not add some interesting color to the flames? Chemicals to make a fire with blue, red, green, and other-colored flames are readily available, and there are a variety of methods to get the ingredients into the fire. You can also buy ready-made stones and sprinkles if you're not much of a home chemist.
posted by beth (5 comments total)

I have a cherished early-childhood memory of my dad using some of these sprinkles on our fire at home, and I was pleased to find that coloring a fire isn't all that difficult.
posted by beth at 7:18 AM on October 7, 2003

Ooh! Now if we could only come up w/a Floo network, we'd be all set...
posted by widdershins at 7:56 AM on October 7, 2003

You can also use boric acid (roach powder) to get green flames. This is by far the most readily available flame colorant.
posted by adamrice at 8:05 AM on October 7, 2003

Did this as a youngster, and it was highly entertaining. Iron filings make sparkles. nice link - thanks, Beth
posted by theora55 at 10:06 AM on October 7, 2003

brrrrr...it is indeed getting to be throw a log on the fire time now, isn't it? Great tips, Beth - you gave me a good idea for my sister's birthday - thanks!
posted by madamjujujive at 1:24 AM on October 8, 2003