Historical Notes on Mercury Compounds in Fireworks
Abstract
ABSTRACT The historical use of mercury compounds in fireworks is reviewed. Calomel (mercury(I) chloride, Hg 2 Cl 2 ) occupied a central place in mid to late 19th‐century firework‐making, valued both as a chlorine donor for producing blue, violet, green, and red flame colours and, more intriguingly, as a “brilliance enhancer”. Despite its high cost, it remained in use for decades after less expensive chlorine donors were readily available. Observers described unusually vivid flame effects with calomel, but the underlying reasons remain obscure.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Energetic Materials and Combustion
History and advancements in chemistry
History of Science and Medicine
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics
- Volume
- 51
- Issue
- 8
- Pages
- 1220–1223
- Publication date
- 10 January 2026
- Language
- EN