Buzz
Uncover the science behind turning ordinary flames into a vibrant green color.
While fire typically emits yellow and orange hues, adding certain chemicals can change the flames to an extraordinary green. To achieve this effect, mix common household items containing copper or boron, such as boric acid, Borax, and copper sulfate, with methanol. Continue reading to find out how to create green flames, the chemistry behind the transformation, and whether green flames are safe to handle.
Creating Green Fire
Combine a spoonful of boric acid, Borax, or copper sulfate with an equal amount of methanol in a ceramic or steel dish. Ignite the mixture with a lighter or match to produce green flames. The presence of copper or boron in the fire causes the unique green color.
Procedure
Creating Green Flames with Boric Acid
Add 1 spoonful of boric acid into a fire-resistant bowl. Boric acid is a powder often used as an insecticide. When exposed to fire, it turns the flames into a striking green. Simply place boric acid in a ceramic, stainless steel, cast iron, or other suitable bowl designed to withstand heat.
- Tip: If you can't find pure boric acid, look for a pesticide containing boric acid.
- Alternatively, you can use Borax instead of boric acid, as it also produces green flames.
Pour 1 spoonful of methanol into the bowl and mix well. Methanol is an alcohol that fuels the fire. Add 1 spoonful of methanol into the bowl, then stir to blend the fuel and Borax together.
- Tip: If you can't find pure methanol, use an antifreeze product that contains methanol, such as HEET.
- Methanol is typically used in engines or as antifreeze for cars.
Ignite the fire with a lighter or match. Wear fire-resistant gloves and safety glasses. Hold the lighter or match over the bowl and light the methanol. Watch as the flames react with the boric acid and turn green!
- As the methanol burns, the flames will typically become smaller and dimmer.
- For more green flames, extinguish the fire, add more methanol, and ignite again. Since boric acid does not burn, no additional boric acid is needed.
- Warning: Only light the fire outside or in a well-ventilated area. Borax and boric acid can irritate the respiratory system and cause coughing. Methanol also emits CO2, which can be harmful in excessive amounts.
Creating Green Flames with Copper Sulfate
Place 1 spoonful of copper sulfate into a heat-resistant bowl. Copper sulfate is a blue mineral typically used in root killers and algae killers. It creates green flames when it interacts with fire. Simply add a small amount of copper sulfate to a ceramic, stainless steel, or other fire-safe container.
Pour 1 spoonful of methanol into the bowl. Add methanol to fuel the fire. Alternatively, you can use an antifreeze product that contains methanol, like HEET.
Ignite the mixture with a lighter or match. Protect yourself with fire-resistant gloves and safety glasses. Then, light the methanol with a lighter or match and enjoy the green flames!
- Once the flames begin to fade, extinguish the fire and add more methanol to keep the flames green. The copper sulfate will not burn away.
- Warning: Only light the fire outside or in a well-ventilated space. Copper sulfate may cause eye irritation. Methanol burns produce CO2, which can be dangerous in high concentrations.
Which chemicals create green flames?
Copper Copper or copper-based compounds cause flames to burn green. If you're using copper kitchenware, burning wood with copper staples, or igniting something dyed with copper, you may notice green flames.
- The copper in copper sulfate is responsible for the green color in the flames.
Boron Boron is a metallic element that causes flames to burn green. If boron-containing compounds come into contact with the firewood or are sprinkled onto the flames, you may see green fire.
- Both boric acid and Borax contain boron, which explains why they produce green flames.
Pressure-treated wood This type of wood is usually treated with a combination of copper, chromium, and arsenic to protect it from decay, insects, and mold. Because of the copper content, pressure-treated wood can create green flames when burned.
- Warning: Burning pressure-treated wood is hazardous. The chemicals it contains can release toxic fumes.
Barium Barium is a metallic element widely used in electrical components, drilling fluids, and paints. Although it’s not commonly encountered in daily life, if you burn something containing barium, the flames may turn green.
- Barium is a key ingredient in green fireworks.
Is green fire safe?
Green fire can be hazardous if you inhale the fumes or consume food cooked over it. The chemicals used to produce green flames, such as boron, copper, and barium, can release harmful gases and smoke that irritate your respiratory system, eyes, and stomach. Additionally, food cooked over these flames may become contaminated with these toxic substances, making it unsafe to eat.
- To minimize the risk, make sure to create green flames outdoors or in a well-ventilated space.
Green Fire Temperature
Green flames burn at temperatures ranging from 1,000 to 1,400° C (1,800-2,500° F). These flames typically burn at the same temperature as orange and yellow flames, which also range from 1,000 to 1,400° C (1,800-2,500° F). The green hue comes from chemical additives, not the heat level itself. White flames, however, burn much hotter, typically between 1,400 and 1,600° C (2,500-2,900° F).
- Sprinkle Borax, boric acid, or copper sulfate onto your bonfire to produce green flames as well.
Warnings
- Always exercise caution when creating a fire. Set up green flames in a fire-safe area, away from any flammable materials. Have a fire extinguisher or water nearby in case the flames get out of control.
- Make green flames outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Handle boric acid, Borax, and copper sulfate with care, as these chemicals can be irritating to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.
- Wear fire-resistant gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from the flames and chemicals while making green fire.
- Keep boric acid, Borax, and copper sulfate out of reach of children and pets, as they can be harmful if ingested.
