Pyrotechnic colorant

A pyrotechnic colorant is a chemical compound which causes a flame to burn with a particular colour. These are used to create the colours in pyrotechnic compositions like fireworks and coloured fires. The colour-producing species are usually created from other chemicals during the reaction. Metal salts are commonly used; elemental metals are used rarely (e.g. copper for blue flames).

The colour of the flame is dependent on the metal cation; the anion of the salt has very little direct influence. The anions however influence the flame temperature, both by increasing it (e.g. nitrates, chlorates) and decreasing it (e.g. carbonates, oxalates), indirectly influencing the flame brightness and brilliancy. For temperature-decreasing additives, the limit of colorant may be about 10–20 wt.% of the composition.

Some common examples are: