Ancient Alchemy & Fire Magic Effects

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on historical and chemical methods for creating visual effects reminiscent of "fire magic" as depicted in fantasy literature. Participants explore various combinations of common substances, such as Potassium Permanganate with Glycerine, and Powdered Aluminum with Iodine Crystals, which can produce ignitions and colored smoke. The focus is on safe, non-explosive materials that could have been known to alchemists a millennium ago. The inquiry aims to enhance ceremonial campfire lighting with visually striking effects.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of chemical reactions and safety precautions.
  • Familiarity with common chemical compounds like Potassium Permanganate and Glycerine.
  • Knowledge of fire-starting techniques and materials.
  • Awareness of historical alchemical practices and their applications.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the chemical properties and reactions of Potassium Permanganate and Glycerine.
  • Investigate the effects of Powdered Aluminum and Iodine Crystals when combined.
  • Explore safe methods for creating colored smoke using common household chemicals.
  • Learn about historical alchemical texts and their descriptions of fire-related experiments.
USEFUL FOR

Individuals interested in historical chemistry, fantasy enthusiasts, educators conducting demonstrations, and anyone looking to create visually engaging effects for ceremonies or events.

Helios
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In many fantasy books and movies, like Harry Potter for example, there are wizards or priest who perform "fire magic" by throwing various powders into a fire cauldron. The effect is a poof of smoke or a flash. I guess the intent is to evoke some spirit or something. My question is what agents were known or could have been known back in the age of alchemy that could produce any interesting effects. I just need some descriptions or leads for historical research and am not intending to experiment. I am not seeking anything dangerous or explosive, just some cheap effects that could have been known to magicians of maybe a 1000 years ago. My inquiry is therefore possibly historical as well as pertinent to chemistry.
 
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Any highly flammable powder will do.
 
Thanks Borek, that was very informative. I would never have thought of that.
 
Bahaha, come on, it's only a joke.
 
Actually, it is not a joke. Trick is to have the substance finely powdered, so that it can create an aerozol.
 
I actually need to verify some ideas that I got for "magically" starting a campfire for a group I lead.
1. Potassium Permangante mixed with Glycerine will ignite?
2. Powdered Aluminum mixed with crushed Iodine Crystals and then wet with water will produce purple smoke and then ignite?
3. Powdered Chlorine (HTH pool chemicals) plus Pine Oil (PineSol) will also ignite?

The idea being to "magically" light a campfire for a ceremony.
 
http://www.unitednuclear.com/negx.htm

This shows how to start a fire with water. The site also sells the chemicals needed, and as far as my experience goes, they are pretty reliable.
 
philnow said:
Bahaha, come on, it's only a joke.

You can try it with flour. :approve:
 
on Tv's SurvivorMAN he really had to make fire so he sacrificed 2 things out of his first aid kit...simply by mixing he had a pretty violent fire.

anyone know what this could have been?
 
  • #10
powdered aluminum works great , and so does sanded hardwood dust.
 

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