Happy 4th of July to my American readers! If you’re planning to celebrate by watching fireworks tonight, get ready to share some fun facts about the minerals used to make them with your pals.
Still in the celebratory mood? Well, tomorrow is another holiday: National Hawaii Day! Let’s explore how the geology of the Aloha State has shaped its people’s lives for generations.
Minerals’ Roles in Fireworks
Sharon Ball/Shutterstock.com
It wouldn’t be an all-American celebration without some good ol’ fireworks! But have you ever wondered where all those pretty colors and effects come from?
Minerals of the rainbow:
Red: The vibrant red color in fireworks is achieved using strontium compounds, such as strontium carbonate, often sourced from the mineral celestite. Lithium carbonate can also produce reds, though these shades are less vibrant.
Yellow and Orange: Bright yellow hues are produced using sodium compounds, such as sodium nitrate. Sodium chloride, known as halite, is used to create fiery oranges.
Blue: Striking blue colors are created with copper compounds—including copper chloride—derived from minerals such as chalcopyrite. They’re also tricky to make due to the need for precise temperature control.
Green: Greens come from barite-derived compounds, such as barium nitrate and barium chloride. The latter is unstable at room temperature, so stabilizing compounds must be added.
Purple: Purple is achieved by combining strontium and copper compounds. Hey, those are the ingredients for red and blue fireworks! Who knew color theory applied to chemistry, too?
Creating special effects:
Sparkles: Aluminum and magnesium powders, which are found in bauxite and magnesite, produce bright white sparks that add brilliance to fireworks displays.
Loud explosions: Potassium perchlorate, often synthesized but originally sourced from potassium-rich minerals, is used as an oxidizer to create loud explosions and enhance combustion.
Crackles: Bismuth compounds, like bismuth trioxide, create crackling sounds and effects, adding a gentler auditory element. Personally, I really enjoy these fireworks. They scratch an itch in my brain, so to say.
Whistles: Sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate produce distinctive whistling sounds. These fireworks make me want to rip my ears off, but that’s just me.
Go deeper:
Check out this video where a chemist explains and demonstrates the reactions that produce firework displays!
Read this article about the evolution of fireworks.
Geology in Hawaiian Culture
Ron Cogswell/Flickr
The native people of Hawaii have deeply integrated geology into their lifestyle. For centuries, they’ve coexisted with the volcanic islands, embedding their love for the natural world into their culture.
Geologic origins of Hawaii:
The Hawaiian Islands formed from volcanic activity, driven by a hotspot beneath the Pacific Plate. As the plate moves, magma breaks through in new spots, creating a chain of islands. The oldest, Kauai, began forming 5 million years ago.
This ongoing process has since resulted in some spectacular geologic features, including the tallest sea mountain, Mauna Kea, and the world’s most active volcano, Kīlauea.
Role in mythology:
Hawaiian mythology features Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, who is believed to reside in Kīlauea. She is credited with creating the islands through her eruptions.
Stories of Pele tell of her fierce temper, personifying the island’s volcanic origins and ongoing activity. While people now understand the scientific explanations for the volcanic eruptions, these myths still hold a special place in Hawaiian culture.
Connecting with the land:
Hawaiians practice mālama ‘āina, meaning to “care for the land.” This reflects a deep connection to their geological surroundings and is evident in their sustainable agricultural practices and cultural rituals.
Traditional farming methods, such as lo‘i kalo (taro patches), are designed to work symbiotically with the land’s natural resources and geological features.
Respecting Hawaiian geology:
Respect for Hawaiian geology includes recognizing the sacredness of volcanic landscapes, sites, and objects. I know it’s hard to resist… but you shouldn’t take any rocks at the risk of bringing Pele’s Curse home with you!
Should you choose to visit the islands, be mindful of the customs and restrictions. This respect helps preserve the physical and cultural integrity of Hawaii, ensuring that geological and cultural heritage is maintained.
Thank you all for reading this week’s GeoLifestyle!
At the time this edition goes out, I will be headed out on a mini speaking tour at events inside two national parks: the Badlands Astronomy Festival and Bryce Canyon Geology Festival. This Saturday (6 July) is my talk at Badlands National Park, so come on out if you can!
What you can expect from the next two editions while I’m out of office are geology facts about Badlands and Bryce Canyon, as well as photos and stories from my experiences at each park.
See you all soon! ✌🤠 ← that’s me in my new breezer hat
Cate Larsen
Editor, GeoLifestyle
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