Minerals and Ores Used in Fireworks and Industry

Barite

Is an ore for the element barium that gives fireworks their green color

Gypsum

Is a mineral form of calcium sulfate that acts as an oxidizer and creates orange explosions

Malachite

The copper that is extracted from this mineral helps turn fireworks blue

Sphalerite

The most important ore of zinc that produces smokey effects for fireworks

Magnesite

Is another ore for the element magnesium that provides silver-white explosions

Chromite

An ore for the element chromium that is used as a burn rate catalyst to control how fast the propellant burns

Luzonite

A mineral considered as one of the world's rarest copper ores named after Luzon island. This mineral was found in Lepanto Mine, Benguet

Hematite

A mineral responsible for the red and red-brown staining in soils and surface rocks. Gives Mars its characteristic red hue

Ophiolite

Major source of chromite ore in the Philippines

Cinnabar

Is a toxic, brick-red mineral which is an important source of mercury. Powdered form of this is used for pigment called vermillion on ceramics, murals, tattoos

Enargite

A natural form of copper arsenic sulfide considered as rare but important source of copper

Anhydrides

Used as drying agents in plaster, paint, and varnish & in soil treatment

Bentonites

Used in fireproofing, as an expanding material in cement-making. Binding agent in the manufacture of iron ore pellets, which is used in the steel making industry

Asbestos

Used in insulation in buildings and various products such as roofing materials, water supply lines, and clutches, brake linings, gaskets and pads for automobiles. Too much exposure to these minerals can lead to cancer

Feldspar

Minerals used in glassmaking and ceramics to improve the strength, toughness and durability of materials

Manganites

Ore of manganese, containing more than 60% of metal. Used in the decolorization of glass during ancient time

Chalcopyrite

An important ore of copper

Bornites

Known for its iridescent tarnish. Used mostly as a mineral indicator for copper deposits

Magnetites

Mostly valuable ore of iron and is 72% iron. Powdered form mixed with liquid is used for specific gravity separations and as an abrasive in waterjet cutting machines

Covellite

A naturally occurring superconductor (used as a mineral indicator for copper deposits)

Galena

An important ore of lead and silver. Used for cable covering, accumulator plates, and as shielding of radioactive substances

Marcasites

Used as a minor source of sulfur and for making sulfuric acid

Azurite

A mineral indicator when searching for copper deposits

Chrysocolla

A secondary mineral and formed in the oxidation zones of copper ore bodies. Used as an ornamental stone, and can be a minor source of copper

Serpentine

A mineral formed from olivine and orthopyroxene. Has the ability to resist the transfer of heat that makes it a valuable insulator

Satin Spar

An ore variety of gypsum used to manufacture plasterboard linings for houses & soil additives

Sulfur

A mineral used for making gunpowder, matches and fireworks

Gold

Handiest metal in the world

Hornblende

Used for highway construction, railboard ballast, and as a dimension stone