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Aerogel
chemical
formula: N/A (proprietary)
( granular )
Developed by NASA, Aerogel is the lightest and lowest-density solid known to exist. It also holds the World records for being the best insulator and lowest density solid. Aerogel is composed of amorphous Silicon Dioxide, and 99.8% Air.
Aerogel negates just about any kind of energy transfer - thermal, electrical or acoustic. Aerogel's density is just 3 milligrams per cubic centimeter (it weighs only three times that of air). Its melting point is 2,200 degrees F
(1,200 degrees C). Click Here for a close-up
of the particle size. Due to its light weight, it is sold by volume and
not weight ( the quantity of Aerogel shown in the image above is 100cc ).
See our Aerogel page
for larger samples of Aerogel and additional information on this amazing
material.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Aluminum ( Granular )
chemical
element:
Al
( granular )
A granular Aluminum powder
(15 to 100 mesh). Aluminum is a
chemical element; atomic number 13. Excellent high-purity Aluminum powder for all laboratory uses and
pyrotechnic applications. In pyrotechnics, it is used to produce bright white, long lasting sparks.
Also used in some high power, composite rocket fuel formulations, fountains, and
waterfall firework formulations. This is the proper grade of
Aluminum for making Thermite mixtures.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Ammonium Chloride
chemical
formula: NH4Cl
( powder )
Ammonium Chloride is a water
soluble compound
used in manufacturing ammonium perchlorate. It is also common
soldering flux used for joining metals together. In pyrotechnics, it's
used in some older white smoke formulas, and in our chemistry experiment: "Water Starts a Fire"
found on our
Chemistry Experiments Page.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Ammonium Dichromate
chemical
formula: (NH4)2Cr2O7
( granular )
Ammonium Dichromate is a
powerful oxidizer, best known for its use in the classic 'Volcano'
chemistry demonstration. When burned, it looks like a volcano and produces green chromium
oxide ash.
Caution:
Ammonium Dichromate is
both toxic & corrosive. Use normal safety precautions (wear a filter
mask/respirator and gloves) when working with Ammonium Dichromate. Accidental
inhalation of fine particles can be dangerous.
Note: adult signature required upon delivery.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Ammonium Nitrate
chemical
formula: NH4NO3
( powder )
Ammonium Nitrate is an oxidizer
that's used in some less common composite rocket propellant formulas. Some
of its properties can be demonstrated in our "Water Starts a Fire"
or "Instant Cold"
experiments
found on our Chemistry Experiments Page.
Keep in a tightly closed container, it has a bad habit of absorbing
moisture from the air
and getting
hard and chunky.
Note: adult signature
required upon delivery.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Ammonium Perchlorate
chemical formula: NH4ClO4
( powder )
The most frequently used oxidizer in most
modern composite Rocket Propellant formulations. The Space Shuttle's solid
rocket boosters use a mixture of Ammonium Perchlorate and a form of Rubber
as their rocket fuel. Ammonium Perchlorate is also used in most indoor, or
"low smoke" pyrotechnic mixtures.
It is substantially more sensitive to ignition from friction or impact
(when mixed with other chemicals) than Potassium Perchlorate is.
Note: adult
signature required upon delivery.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Antimony
Metal
chemical
formula: element:
Sb
( powder )
Very High purity (99.99%)
Antimony metal (atomic number 51) in
powder form. Antimony has a melting point of 1167°F
and has the unusual property of expanding when cooling. 'Hardened
Lead' is made by adding small amounts of Antimony
metal to molten Lead. Antimony metal powder is also used in some
specialized pyrotechnic formulations to produce unusual effects. Under the
proper conditions, it burns quite brilliantly when heated producing
Antimony Trioxide.
Caution:
Antimony Metal is toxic. Use normal safety precautions (wear a filter
mask/respirator and gloves) when working with Antimony Metal. Accidental
inhalation of fine particles can be dangerous. Note:
adult signature required upon delivery.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Barium
Carbonate
chemical
formula: BaCO3
( powder )
Barium Carbonate is used It
is used in the manufacture of various Barium compounds including Barium
Nitrate, Barium Oxide, Barium Hydrate, Barium Chromate, Barium Peroxide
and Barium Titanate. It's an important ingredient of
optical glass, and is used to color flames
green in pyrotechnic formulations.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Barium
Sulfate
chemical
formula: BaSO4
( powder )
Barium Sulfate is very
insoluble in water and other potential solvents. It is frequently used
clinically as a radiocontrast agent for X-ray imaging and other diagnostic
procedures. In pyrotechnics, Barium Sulfate is used to add a green color
to flames.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Bentonite Clay
chemical
formula: N/A
( fine powder )
Bentonite Clay is used in
pyrotechnics to make endplugs. Typically a small amount
of the dry clay is poured into a cardboard tube. A wooden dowel is
inserted and firmly hit with a hammer to form a solid clay plug. Bentonite
Clay is also used in adhesives, ceramics, cosmetics, and for purifying
transformer oil. Bentonite also has the interesting property of absorbing
relatively large amounts of protein molecules from solutions. In
winemaking it is used to remove protein from wines. For making rocket
nozzles, we recommend our Rocket Nozzle Mix as it is engineered for higher
temperatures.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Beryllium
chemical
element:
Be
( solid
ball )
High purity (99.9%) samples of
the element Beryllium (atomic number 4).
Very unusual and difficult to obtain metal element. Our 1 gram (average
weight) Be balls are about 1/2" in diameter. Beryllium will emit
neutrons when hit with Alpha radiation. Use Deuterium Oxide (Heavy Water)
for shielding when conducting neutron experiments.
See this link
for a Neutron activation experiment. Caution:
Beryllium dust is both
toxic. Use normal safety precautions (wear a filter mask/respirator and
gloves) if you are grinding or cutting Beryllium metal. Accidental
inhalation of Beryllium dust particles can be dangerous.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Bismuth
Metal
chemical
element:
Bi
( small
disks )
Very high purity (99.99%)
Bismuth metal in small disk form. The small disks are about 9mm in
diameter x 4mm thick and weigh approximately 3 grams each.
Bismuth is a chemical
element; atomic number 83.
You won't believe the unusual things you can do with this metal. Click
Here for more info on this item.
Because Bismuth is so heavy and completely non-toxic, it is rapidly
becoming a popular replacement for Lead in many applications.
The price on Bismuth can vary from day to day.
It has been rapidly increasing in value.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Borated Paraffin
chemical
formula: N/A
( blocks )
Whoa! Slow
down them Neutrons!
For those conducting experiments with Neutron capture, Borated Paraffin is a
must. Slows Neutrons down into the thermal range so they can be captured by
other elements. Use as-is, or easily melt and cast into the desired shape.
Blocks measure about 2.5" x 3.5" and are 1.5" thick. See this
link for a
typical Neutron capture/activation experiment.
Also available in case quantities.
Click Here for additional information.
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Boric Acid
chemical
formula: H3BO3
( powder )
Boric Acid is a mild acid
used as an antiseptic, insecticide, flame retardant, and in nuclear power
plants, to control the fission rate of Uranium.
In the jewelry industry, boric acid is used in combination with denatured
alcohol to reduce surface oxidation from forming on metals during annealing
and soldering operations. In pyrotechnics, it is added to formulas that
contain both a Nitrates and Aluminum to prevent unwanted reactions that can
lead to spontaneous combustion.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Brass
Metal Strips
metal alloy:
Cu:Zn
( thick strips )
Very high purity, heavy Brass metal strips.
Brass is an alloy composed of the elements Copper and Zinc.
Perfect for science
experiments or other applications where pure Brass metal is required.
Strips measure about 5" long,
3/4" wide,
and a little over 1/16" thick.
1 strip:
$2.50
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Carbon Sticks
chemical
element:
C
( thick sticks )
High purity, thick Carbon
sticks.
Carbon is a chemical element; atomic number 6.
Ideal for use as an electrode in homemade batteries, carbon arc furnace,
or other science experiments / classroom demonstrations.
Sticks measure about 5" long X 3/4" wide X 1/4" thick.
1 stick:
$2.50
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Cab-O-Sil
chemical
formula: SiO2
(
fluffy powder )
An anti-cake agent
that makes powders stop clumping & flow evenly. In pyrotechnics, it is
used in
Flash Powder mixtures
to increase the burn rate (typically 1 gram to every 100 grams of Flash Powder).
This makes the Flash
Powder "fluffy" allowing for much faster flame propagation.
This material has virtually no weight to it, so it's sold by volume
in a 4 ounce container.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Caffeine
chemical
formula: C8H10N4O2
(
powder )
Caffeine is an
alkaloid that's found in numerous plant species where it acts as a natural
pesticide that paralyzes and kills certain insects. In Humans, Caffeine is
a central nervous system and metabolic stimulant in small milligram quantities,
however, ingestion of only slightly larger amounts can be fatal.
This material is for experimental purposes only and not to be added to
food or drink products.
Caution:
Caffeine is toxic. Use normal safety precautions (wear a filter
mask/respirator and gloves) when working with Caffeine. Accidental
inhalation of fine particles can be dangerous.
Note: adult
signature required upon delivery.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Calcium Metal
chemical element:
Ca
(
small chips )
Ultra-high purity
Calcium Metal chips.
Calcium is a chemical element; atomic number 20.
Calcium metal reacts with water evolving Hydrogen gas and producing an
alkaline Calcium Hydroxide solution. When ignited in air, Calcium metal burns
with a bright white light, forming Calcium Nitride.
In vacuum systems, small amounts of Calcium metal serves as a 'getter' for
residual gasses. Calcium forms a thin white oxide layer on its surface
that protects the metal from additional oxidation.
Note: adult
signature required upon delivery.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Calcium Nitrate
chemical
formula: Ca(NO3)2 4H2O
(
granular )
Calcium Nitrate is a
oxidizer, also known as 'Norwegian Saltpeter'. It is used in some
pyrotechnic formulations and also as a fertilizer. When used as a color
additive in fireworks, Calcium compounds color flames orange.
Keep in a tightly closed container, it has a bad habit of absorbing
moisture from the air.
Note: adult signature
required upon delivery.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Calcium Carbide
chemical
formula: CaC2
(
small chunks )
Calcium Carbide is generally used to produce Acetylene gas. When it comes in contact with water, it will react violently, producing bubbles of highly flammable Acetylene gas and steam.
Old miner's lamps used Calcium Carbide and a slow water drip to generate Acetylene gas, which was ignited to produce light.
Carbide Cannons were old toys that used Calcium Carbide (which they
sometimes call "Bangsite") and a little water to make their loud
reports.
A fun material to experiment with.
Note: adult
signature required upon delivery.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Calcium
Carbonate
chemical
formula: CaCO3
( fine powder )
Calcium
carbonate is widely used medicinally as a stomach antacid and an
ingredient in toothpaste. It can be heated to form 'Quicklime' which is
then added to water. This forms another material known as 'Slaked Lime'
which is a base material used throughout the chemical industry. In
pyrotechnics, it's used to color flames orange. Calcium Carbonate makes a
rock-hard adhesive when mixed with an equal amount of Zinc Oxide, and a
little Sodium Silicate to form a paste. This rapid setting adhesive is
typically used to plug firework tubes.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Cesium
chemical
element:
Cs
( solid )
Ultra pure quantities of the
element Cesium (sometimes spelled Caesium) atomic number 55.
ideal for element collectors of those conducting experiments/producing
alloys with pure Cesium metal. Cesium is one of the most reactive metals
known to man - it will ignite upon exposure to air or water. For
protection, our Cesium samples are sealed in glass ampoules under Argon
gas.
As its melting temperature is only 83ºF, it will become liquid on
warm days.
Pure Cesium metal has been used as a propellant in ion spacecraft engines
and in vacuum tubes.
Ampoules contain 1 gram of pure Cesium metal.
Caution:
Use safety precautions
(wear eye protection and gloves) when working with Cesium metal.
Violently/explosively reacts with water and may ignite on contact with
air. Causes severe burns on contact with body tissue. See MSDS link below.
Note: adult
signature required upon delivery.
Cesium metal,
1 gram: $120.00
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Charcoal
(ACTIVATED)
( Activated
Carbon )
chemical
formula: C
(
coarse granular )
A unique material that vigorously
absorbs chemical impurities. Activated Charcoal is a form of Carbon that has an exceptionally high
surface area. It is claimed that a single gram of this material has an
effective surface area of well over
2,000 square meters. The micropores in Activated Charcoal provide superb
conditions for adsorption to occur; the adsorbing material can interact
with many surfaces simultaneously. Another important use is to treat
poisonings and overdoses by oral ingestion. It prevents absorption of the
poison by the stomach. By far, the most common use is in Filters to purify
liquids, compressed air and gas purification to remove oil vapor, odor,
etc.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Charcoal
- Granulated
chemical
formula: C
(
granulated powder )
Top quality granulated Charcoal
from the Willow tree,
approximately 36 mesh.
Mainly used in pyrotechnic formulas, this coarser Granulated
Charcoal produces very long lasting orange sparks in firework pieces. Ideal
for adding a
long spark trail effect to Fountains,
Stars, Rockets, etc.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Chromium
Oxide
chemical
formula: Cr2O3
( fine powder )
Chromium
Oxide can be made into pure elemental Chromium metal through a thermite
reaction by mixing it with twice its weight in granular Aluminum
and igniting. It requires a very high
temperature (over 3,000 °F) to start the reaction.
A small amount of burning Thermite, or other high temperature pyrotechnic
mixture will generally succeed in getting it started. Aside from its
pyrotechnic uses, it is also used as a paint pigment and in ceramic glazes.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Citric Acid
chemical
formula: H3C6H5O7
( powder )
Citric Acid is frequently used
as a buffer to control the PH in a variety of chemical mixtures. It also
has the ability to chelate (lock on to) metals in solution. The tart taste
found in some fruits is caused by Citric Acid. It can be used to make
other Citrates, such as Ferric Ammonium Citrate, which is used in
Blueprint paper.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Coal
chemical
formula: C
(
large chunks )
Pure, natural high grade
Anthracite Coal, over 95%
pure Carbon. Great samples for experimentation and analysis of Coal
burning byproducts (Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides, etc). Used in
some ancient chemical formulations. Easily ground into a fine powder. The
perfect stocking stuffer for those bad little children around Christmas
time.
( total weight of the large chunks, approx. 1/2 Lb. ).
Coal chunk(s), 1/2 pound:
$2.50
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Cobalt
Carbonate
chemical
formula: CoCO3
(
fine powder )
Cobalt Carbonate is used as an
important catalyst in a variety of chemical processes and in the refining
industry. In pyrotechnics, Cobalt Carbonate adds a blue color to flame. In
ceramics, it produces a deep blue color in pottery glazes.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Cobalt
Chloride
chemical formula: CoCl2·6H2O
( granular )
The most well known use for Cobalt Chloride is an experiment done by most grade-school teachers. Filter paper is dipped into a Cobalt Chloride solution and allowed to dry. Once dry, the paper is blue in color, but when the air becomes humid ( as before an approaching storm ) the paper will turn pink. It's basically a humidity detector. When the paper dries out again, it returns to its blue color. The process can be repeated indefinitely.
A very tiny amount goes a long way.
Note: adult signature
required upon delivery.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Cobalt Oxide
chemical
formula: CoO
(
fine powder )
High purity Cobalt Oxide. An
unusual (and quite expensive) material. Cobalt Oxide becomes
super-conductive when cooled to low temperatures. Some of our customers
claim it produces interesting color effects when used with Lithium Carbonate in
pyrotechnic compositions. It's also is used in
ceramic glaze mixtures, where it produces
a dramatic deep blue color.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Copper Metal Strips
chemical
element:
Cu
( thick strips )
Very high purity, heavy Copper metal strips.
Copper is a chemical element; atomic number 29.
Ideal for use as an electrode in homemade batteries ( simply stick a Zinc
strip and Copper strip in a fresh Lemon and you've got a battery ).
Perfect for other science
experiments / classroom demonstrations where pure Copper metal is required.
Strips measure about 5" long,
3/4" wide,
and a little over 1/16" thick.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Copper
Acetate
( Cupric
Acetate )
chemical
formula: Cu(C2H3O2)2·H2O
( granular )
Copper
Acetate is used in both special effects and pyrotechnics. It is used to
produce huge blue fireballs when mixed with Alcohol and explosively
dispersed. It's also used to make 'Paris
Green' which is also used in pyrotechnics to produce bright blue color in
the stars of aerial shells. Copper Acetate also finds use in Copper
electroplating.
Note: adult
signature required upon delivery.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Copper Carbonate
( Cupric
Carbonate Basic )
chemical
formula: CuCO3-Cu(OH)2
( fine powder )
Copper
Carbonate has been used for many years as an effective algaecide in farm
ponds and in aquaculture operations. It's also sometimes used as seed
fungicide, and to manufacture other Copper compounds. In pyrotechnics,
Copper Carbonate is used to produce a blue
color in flames.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Copper
Nitrate
(Cupric
Nitrate)
chemical
formula: Cu(NO3)2
( powder )
A fairly
powerful oxidizer and also often used as a catalyst in a wide variety of
formulations. Dissolved in water, it's commonly used for electroplating
Copper metal onto other objects. Also used as an activating agent in many
phosphorescent formulations. Along with Silver, it is what is used to
'activate' Zinc Sulfide to make it illuminate on exposure to Alpha
radiation.
Note: adult
signature required upon delivery.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Copper Oxide
(black)
( Cupric Oxide )
chemical
formula: CuO
( fine powder )
Black Copper Oxide,
also known as Copper (II) Oxide, is used as a catalyst in various chemical reactions and also to purify
Hydrogen gas. It finds use in superconductivity research as a component
itself, and to produce other compounds used in superconductive materials.
In pyrotechnics,
it is used as a catalyst in novel blue strobe rocket propellant
formulations, and in general to impart a blue color to flames. Strobe
rocket propellants burn intermittently, producing a rapid series of bursts
of thrust, as opposed to a conventional continuous burn rocket propellant.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Copper Oxide
(red)
( Cuprous Oxide )
chemical
formula: Cu2O
( fine powder )
Red Copper
Oxide, also known as Copper (I) Oxide and Cuprous Oxide, was the first
substance known to behave as a semiconductor. It clearly exhibits a
variety of distinct semiconductor properties and was used in rectifier
diodes long before Silicon came into use. Red Copper Oxide also finds use
as a novel catalyst in various chemical processes.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Copper
Sulfate
(
Cupric Sulfate )
chemical
formula: CuSO4
( granular/powder )
Cupric Sulfate (in
ancient times known as Blue Vitriol) is a water soluble copper compound
that's most frequently used in copper electroplating. Other popular uses include
wet-cell batteries, pigments and fungicides.
Note: adult
signature required upon delivery.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Cryolite
chemical
formula: Na3AlF6
( fine powder )
Cryolite is a
naturally occurring material, also known as Sodium Aluminum Fluoride. It
is used in the production of Aluminum metal. In the field of pyrotechnics,
Cryolite will impart a yellow color to flames due to its Sodium
content.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Corn Cobb
chemical
formula: N/A
( coarse granules )
Specially dried & sorted Corn
Cob for pyrotechnic uses. Corn Cob is typically coated with a Black Powder
mixture and used to fill, and burst Aerial Star Shells, throwing the
colorful burning Stars in all directions. Other materials, such as Rice
Hulls are also used for this purpose, but Corn Cob
consistently produces superior results.
Large, 1 gallon in
volume (over 3.5 pounds) of dried Corn Cob. In our opinion, the best material to us in your
Aerial Star Shells. Simply wet & coat with Black
Powder ( instructions can be found here ).
One bag of this will make over twenty 4" star
shells.
1 gallon size bag:
$5.00
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Dextrin
chemical
formula: C6H10O5
( fine powder )
Dextrin is used as a water
soluble glue, as a thickening agent in food processing, and as a binding
agent in pharmaceuticals. In pyrotechnics, it is added to colored fire
formulas, allowing them to solidify as pellets or "Stars".
Typically 5% to 7% (by weight) of Dextrin is added to colored fire
formulas allowing them to be pressed, rolled, or cut into Stars.
Drying problems begin to occur in Stars when
the Dextrin content exceeds 10%.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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DMSO
chemical
formula: (CH3)2SO
( liquid )
DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) is a polar aprotic solvent with the
distinctive property of penetrating the skin very readily. If it makes
contact with your skin, you will immediately have a Garlic or Oyster-like
taste in your mouth. DMSO is frequently used as solvent for chemical
reactions, but also exhibits some unusual medicinal properties. For more information DMSO' s
medicinal uses,
see this informative
link.
Our DMSO is very high purity (>99%).
It is sold to be used as a solvent only.
16 ounce bottle:
$18.00
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Deuterium
Oxide
( Heavy Water )
chemical
formula: D2O
( liquid
)
This is 'Ultrex' grade
(99.999% pure) Deuterium Oxide. About 10% heavier than
ordinary water, Deuterium Oxide (Heavy Water) is used mainly to moderate
Neutrons in nuclear reactors. Slower evaporating than ordinary water. An
ice cube made of Deuterium Oxide sinks in water. Easily make pure
Deuterium gas for Fusor experiments, etc.
( see additional pricing, info & images here
).
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Drierite®
chemical
formula: CaSO4
( granular )
Drierite® is an all purpose
drying agent for the efficient and rapid drying of air, gases,
refrigerants,
liquids and solids. It is composed of naturally occurring Calcium Sulfate,
impregnated with Cobalt Chloride. Drierite® is blue when dry and changes
to pink upon absorption of moisture.
Drierite® can be regenerated simply by heating in
an oven where it will return to its normal blue color.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Ethyl
Alcohol
(
denatured )
chemical
formula: C2H6O (+ additives)
( 200 proof liquid )
Ethyl Alcohol (also known as Ethanol) is a flammable, colorless, mildly toxic chemical compound with a distinctive odor. Ethyl Alcohol is commonly found in alcoholic beverages. Note that this material is
denatured Ethyl Alcohol, meaning additives are mixed in making it
quite toxic if ingested. Ethyl Alcohol is used in a wide variety of chemical processes & experiments.
Making a 'SuperBall' is a common chemistry demonstration using Ethyl Alcohol.
The experiment can be found by Clicking
Here.
Note: adult
signature required upon delivery.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Erbium
Metal
chemical
element:
Er
( granular/chips -or- ingot )
Ultra pure quantities of the
element Erbium (atomic number 68),
ideal for element collectors of those conducting experiments/producing
alloys with pure Erbium metal. Erbium is a silvery- white metallic
rare-earth metal. It is used in nuclear technology as a neutron absorber
and as a dopant in fiber-optic laser amplifiers. Erbium compounds are
rose-colored, and the element has characteristic sharp absorption spectra
bands in visible light, ultraviolet, and near infrared. Available in 5
& 10 gram vials of granular/chip material, or large, solid ingots that
have an average weight of about 150 grams.
( Ingots vary in weight from
about 145 grams to 190 grams )
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Ferric
Chloride
(
Iron Chloride )
chemical
formula: FeCl3·6H2O
( crystals )
Ferric Chloride (also known as
Iron Chloride) is used to etch Copper printed circuit (PC) boards. A pattern is either printed or hand drawn with an indelible marker directly on the Copper sheet. The Copper-clad PC board is then agitated under the Ferric Chloride solution for several minutes. Ferric Chloride is also used as a coagulant in treating sewage
and drinking water. Added to a solution of Sodium Silicate, Ferric
Chloride crystals will 'grow' and make brown crystals in the well-known 'Chemical
Garden' experiment.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Ferric
Ammonium
Sulfate
chemical
formula: FeNH4(SO4)2
( crystals )
Ferric Ammonium Sulfate is a common Iron compound with a wide range of industrial uses from serum cholesterol determination to textile dyeing.
It is in the form of large purple crystals that resemble Amethyst.
In chemistry demonstrations, Ferric Ammonium Sulfate is used in some classic experiments.
The most common is when solutions of Ferric Ammonium Sulfate and Sodium Ferocyanide are mixed together. This produces Prussian Blue, a deep blue color dye used extensively in inks. Added to a solution of Sodium Silicate, Ferric Ammonium Sulfate crystals will 'grow' and make the well-known 'Chemical Garden'.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Gadolinium Metal
chemical
element:
Gd
( granular )
Ultra pure quantities of the
element Gadolinium (atomic number 64),
ideal for element collectors of those conducting experiments/producing
alloys with pure Gadolinium metal. It has the highest thermal neutron
capture cross-section of any known element. Gadolinium becomes
superconductive below a critical temperature of 1.083 K. It is strongly
magnetic at room temperature, and exhibits ferromagnetic properties below
room temperature. Gadolinium metal is used as an emergency shut-down
measure in some types of nuclear reactors.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Gallium
Metal
chemical
element:
Ga
( chunks )
Small, ultra pure quantities of
the element Gallium (atomic number 31),
ideal for element collectors of those conducting experiments/producing
alloys with pure Gallium metal. Gallium metal has an astonishingly low
melting temperature of 85.6 °F, it will actually melt in your hand!
It also expands by over 3% when solidifying, so it should not be stored in
glass or metal containers as they will break when the metal solidifies.
Gallium also corrodes most other metals by diffusing into their metal
lattice. It is very important to keep Gallium away from any type of metal
containers such as Steel or Aluminum.
Gallium readily alloys with most metals.
MSDS
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Gibberellic
Acid
chemical formula: C19H22O6
( liquid )
This is an amazing material - great
for science fairs.
Gibberellic Acid is a very potent plant growth hormone. Very tiny amounts
have profound and surprising effects on plants. Lettuce for instance,
which grows in a small ball on the ground, can grow into a 10 foot tall
'tree' when a small amount of Gibberellic Acid is applied to the seedling.
Varying amounts do different things and different plants will produce
different results. Very tiny amounts are used, and a little goes a
long way. Now sold with a convenient spray bottle and concentrated liquid.
Easily diluted to any strength desired.
An information sheet is included
with the experiment set.
Gibberellic Acid
Experiment Set: $8.00
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Hexamine
(Hexamethylenetetramine)
chemical
formula: C6H12N4
( fine powder )
Also called
Methenamine, Hexamine is most commonly used as a solid fuel tablet used
for cooking while camping or hiking. Compressed tablets of it are ignited
and known as "heat pellets". In pyrotechnics, it is general
purpose fuel used in some blue Star formulas and heat generating
compositions. Hexamine is also the basis
of some high explosive compositions.
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Iron Filings
chemical
element:
Fe
( powder )
Ultra high purity Iron Filings,
approximately 40 mesh.
Although these can also be used to demonstrate magnetic fields when
sprinkled on a sheet of stiff paper, their exceptionally high purity
allows them to be used for a wide variety of chemical reactions and
formulations where high purity Iron metal is required.
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Iron Oxide (red)
chemical
formula: Fe2O3
( fine powder )
Red Iron Oxide is often used as
a coating in magnetic audio and computer media as well as magnetic data
stripes, like those on credit cards. It is also known as 'Rouge'. In
pyrotechnics, Red Iron Oxide is used as both a catalyst and
high temperature oxidizer. It's found in whistle rocket mixtures, Thermite
compositions, and several
specialized pyrotechnic formulas.
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Iron Oxide (black)
chemical
formula: Fe3O4
( fine powder )
Like Red Iron Oxide, Black Iron
Oxide is used as both a catalyst and
high temperature oxidizer. It's used as a pigment, a component of magnetic
inks, and in Thermite and Thermate compositions, as well as several
specialized pyrotechnic formulas.
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Lampblack
chemical
formula: C
( fine
dust )
A substance similar
to Charcoal, Lampblack is the Carbon soot deposited from incomplete burning
of liquid hydrocarbons. It's used in printing inks, toners for xerography,
and laser printers. The black color of rubber tires is due to the use of
lampblack as an ingredient in their vulcanization. In pyrotechnics,
Lampblack is used in stars to produce very long
soft, orange spark trails.
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Lead Sheet
RadMax®
Radiation
Shielding
chemical
element:
Pb
(
sheet )
RadMax®
high performance, high purity & super dense Lead sheet - specifically manufactured for use as radiation shielding.
Easily soldered and cuts with a
scissors. Use for lining boxes for storing radioactive materials, etc.
See
our Radiation
Protection Page
to purchase
RadMax®
or to view sizes available & pricing.
Actual Thickness  
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Lead
Metal Shot
chemical
element:
Pb
( shot
- 2mm balls )
Lead shot is often used as a radiation shielding material that can be poured in-between small shielding walls and seams.
Lead shot is easily melted and can be cast into what ever form is required.
An 8 ounce jar contains about
2600 Lead balls, 2mm in diameter.
In pyrotechnics, this size Lead Shot is ideal for making round 'Stars', the burning pellets of
chemicals thrown out by firework devices.
Round Stars are made by rolling a quantity
of Lead shot in a large pan, then slowly adding
the Star composition, followed by spraying with
water (see our "Making Round Stars"
procedure).
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Lead Oxide (red)
chemical
formula: Pb3O4
( fine powder )
Lead Oxide (also known as Lead
Tetroxide) is used in the manufacture of batteries, lead (crystal) glass,
and in rust-proof paint. Lead Oxide is used in a wide variety of chemical
processes and formulations. Lead compounds are toxic and their effects are
cumulative in the body. Precautions should be taken to avoid inhaling its
dust or ingesting this material.
Note: adult
signature required upon delivery.
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Lithium
Metal
chemical
element:
Li
( solid chunks )
Ultra pure quantities of the
element Lithium (atomic number 3),
ideal for element collectors of those conducting experiments/producing
alloys with pure Lithium metal. Lithium is a very soft metal that can
easily be cut with a knife. It reacts violently with water, liberating
explosive Hydrogen gas and igniting it. It is a flammable metal and can
cause severe burns if it comes in contact with the skin. This material
should only be handled by those familiar with its properties.
Lithium is shipped in a poly bottle under Mineral Oil within a metal
can. Lithium is a very lightweight metal (so lightweight, that it
actually floats on water). Several chunks included, total weight: 5 grams.
Caution:
Use safety precautions
(wear eye protection and gloves) when working with Lithium metal.
Violently/explosively reacts with water and may ignite on contact with
air. Causes severe burns on contact with body tissue. See MSDS link below.
Note: adult
signature required upon delivery.
Lithium metal
chunks: $30.00
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Lithium
Carbonate
chemical
formula: Li2CO3
(
fine powder )
All Lithium compounds impart a
bright RED color to flames. Used for making unique RED colored stars, or to produce a bright
Red
color in flames.
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Luminol
chemical
formula: C8H7O3N3
( powder
)
Luminol
(5-Amino-2,3-dihydro-1,4-phthalazinedione) is a chemical that exhibits
chemiluminescence - it produces light as a result of a chemical reaction.
Luminol glows a blue when mixed with an oxidizer (usually Hydrogen
Peroxide) and a catalyst. It is
used by forensic investigators to detect scant amounts of blood left at
crime scenes. Absolutely great for science fair experiments. Please note
that although Luminol is an expensive chemical, only very tiny amounts are
needed for experiments. A one gram container is sufficient for 10-12
experiments. We will shortly have the formula & step-by-step procedure
for making Luminol glow
on our Chemistry Experiments page.
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MagnaView
Fluid
chemical
formula: colloidal suspension
(
liquid )
MagnaView Fluid is a colloidal
suspension of microscopic individual magnets, about 10 nm in
diameter. When a magnet is placed near a small quantity of
MagnaView Fluid, it responds immediately; each microscopic particle in the
fluid orientating itself to the applied magnetic field. A truly amazing
material to experiment with (see
our Magnets
page for more info). Just fantastic for classroom magnet demos &
experiments.
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Magnesium Metal - Powder
chemical element:
Mg
(
powder/granular )
Pure Magnesium Metal powder
with a particle size of approximately 100 mesh. Magnesium is a chemical element; atomic number 12.
Magnesium powder is used to prepare Grignard reagents, which are useful in
organic synthesis, to remove Sulfur from Iron & Steel, and as a
reducing agent for the production of pure Uranium metal. Magnesium powder
mixed with an oxidizer produces Flash Powder, which was used as a source
of illumination in the early days of photography. This is different from
the Flash Powder used in fireworks, which uses a special form of extremely
fine Aluminum powder (Dark or German Aluminum) in place of Magnesium
powder.
Note: adult
signature required upon delivery.
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Magnesium Ribbon
chemical element:
Mg
( thin
metal ribbon )
Pure Magnesium Ribbon, standard
1/8" wide
ribbon, 25 gram roll. Magnesium is a chemical element; atomic number 12.
Lots of interesting uses.
Light a small piece, and it burns with a blinding, brilliant white light
that is amazing. Like all pure Magnesium Ribbon, you can light it
with a butane lighter or propane torch, although it takes about 10 seconds
in the upper part of the flame to get started.
Do not stare directly at burning Magnesium fires, they are extremely
bright and rich in UV light - Eye damage can result.
1 roll: $7.00
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Magnesium Metal Strips
chemical element:
Mg
( thick strips )
Very high purity, thick Magnesium metal strips.
Magnesium is an element; atomic number 12.
Ideal for use as an electrode in or can be cut or
shaved for a variety of other uses where pure Magnesium metal is required.
Strips measure about 5" long,
3/4" wide,
and a little over 1/16" thick.
1 strip: $2.50
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Magnesium Sulfate
chemical
formula: MgSO4
( crystals )
Magnesium Sulfate has been used medicinally since the 1600s and probably long
before to
heal scratches and rashes. Its also used as a laxative, to treat migraine headaches, and in the treatment of tetanus. In organic chemistry,
Magnesium Sulfate is commonly used as a desiccant in organic synthesis due to its affinity for water. Added to a solution of Sodium Silicate, Ferric
Chloride crystals will 'grow' and make white crystals in the well-known 'Chemical
Garden' experiment.
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Manganese
Dioxide
chemical
formula: MnO2
( fine powder )
Manganese Dioxide is a widely
used, powerful catalyst, speeding up a variety of chemical reactions. In a
classical experiment of elementary chemistry, it is used to make pure
Oxygen gas. The procedure consists of merely heating Potassium Chlorate
and Manganese Dioxide together. It's mainly used in the manufacture of
batteries. A piece of Zinc metal for an
electrode, along with a paste
made from Water, Manganese Dioxide and Ammonium Chloride makes the familiar dry cell battery.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Mercury Metal
chemical
element:
Hg
( liquid )
High purity (ACS/Reagent
grade) Mercury metal.
Mercury is a chemical element; atomic number 80.
An ideal sample for element collectors or for use in homemade thermometers
/ vacuum apparatus. Mercury also finds use in sealed electrical discharge
devices and a variety of chemistry and physics experiments.
Caution:
Mercury metal and its
vapors are toxic. Use normal safety precautions (wear a filter
mask/respirator and gloves) when working with Mercury and its compounds.
Note: adult signature required upon delivery.
2 ounce vial:
$25.00
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Mica Flakes
chemical
formula: K2O·Al2O3·SiO2
( flakes )
Mica has a very high dielectric strength making it a favored material for use as an insulator in high voltage electrical equipment.
It's also quite resistant to heat, so it is frequently used as an insulating material in electric and kerosene heating equipment.
Mica flake and fine powders are also mixed with clear paint or varnish to produce
a unique paint.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Mineral Oil
chemical formula: N/A
( liquid )
Low Oxygen Mineral Oil,
commonly to store and transport alkali metals such as Sodium & Potassium. The oil prevents the metals from reacting with atmospheric moisture.
Due to its excellent electrical insulating properties, Mineral Oil is also used as transformer oil
to cool and prevent arc-over
between the wire windings.
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Nichrome Wire
chemical
formula: Ni-Cr
( wire )
Pure Nichrome (Nickel-Chromium)
high resistance wire for making electrical igniters, heating coils, foam
cutters, high power resistors, etc. Nichrome wire quickly heats up to red hot when electrical current is applied.
We have 2 thicknesses to choose from,
a thin 38 gauge and a heavy
28 gauge.
The thin wire is ideal for making electrical igniters to launch your
model rockets or set off fireworks at a safe distance.
A 10 foot roll of this wire is enough to make
over 80 electrical igniters. Our
heavier 28 gauge wire is perfect for making foam cutters,
coils for heating elements & high power resistors. The thicker wire
requires more current than
thinner gauges to get hot, but will not vaporize like thin Nichrome Wire.
Both sizes have a wide variety of uses. For
step-by-step directions on making electrical igniters, see our
Nichrome Wire Igniter
page .
38 gauge (thin), 10' roll: $3.50
28
gauge (heavy), 10' roll: $3.50
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Nickel Metal Strips
chemical element:
Ni
( thick strips )
Very high purity Nickel metal strips.
Nickel is an element; atomic number 28.
Ideal for use in an electrode in Nickel electroplating solutions, or can
be cut / shaved for a variety of other uses where pure Nickel metal is required.
Strips measure about 5" long,
3/4" wide,
and a little over 1/32" thick.
1 strip: $2.50
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Nickel Nitrate
chemical
formula: Ni(NO3)2
( granular )
Nickel Nitrate is mainly used
in the electroplating industry and to produce other inorganic and organic
Nickel compounds. It's also used in the manufacture of certain catalysts
and carrier materials. The glass industry uses Nickel Nitrate to produce
color in glass and in ceramic glaze mixtures.
MSDS
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Nickel Oxide
chemical
formula: Ni2O3
( fine powder )
Nickel Oxide is used as a
catalyst in Hydrogen Fuel Cells, as well as in a variety of other chemical
processes. It's also used in the manufacture of
Nickel-Cadmium batteries.
Nickel Oxide is sometimes used for making unusual Nickel compounds
by reacting with acids.
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Paraffin,
Borated
chemical
formula: N/A
( blocks )
Whoa! Slow
down them Neutrons!
For those conducting experiments with Neutron capture, Borated Paraffin is a
must. Slows Neutrons down into the thermal range so they can be captured by
other elements. Use as-is, or easily melt and cast into the desired shape.
Blocks measure about 2.5" x 3.5" and are 1.5" thick. See this
link for a
typical Neutron capture/activation experiment.
Also available in case quantities.
Click Here for additional information.
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Parlon
chlorinated
rubber
( fine powder )
Parlon (Chlorinated
Rubber) is used in the paint, adhesive and ink industries and is also a
binder for anti corrosion coatings. In pyrotechnics, Parlon is used in
compositions as a Chlorine
donor, which
deepens the color of flames.
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( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Phenolphthalein
( 1% solution
in Alcohol )
chemical formula: C20H14O4
( liquid )
Phenolphthalein is a sensitive PH indicator which remains colorless below a PH of 8.2, and turns
bright pink above a PH of 10. When mixed with Hydrogen Peroxide & Alcohol, Phenolphthalein can be used as a test for Blood.
Typically, very small amounts of Phenolphthalein
solution are used for indicating or in experiments (generally a few
drops). For this reason, a little of this material goes a long way. Because of its
drastic color changing ability, it also finds use in disappearing inks and similar novelties.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Phosphorescent Powder
chemical formula: N/A
( very fine powder )
This is the latest generation
Phosphorescent (glow-in-the-dark) powder. It is Europium/Strontium Aluminate based,
and produces an afterglow about 10 times longer in duration and about 10 times brighter than conventional
glow-in-the-dark materials. Expose to bright sunlight or UV light for 5 minutes to fully charge the material. Glow will be visible in total darkness for a minimum of 12-14 hours.
Available in BLUE or GREEN
glow.
1
ounce:
$10.00
2 ounces:
$18.00
4 ounces:
$30.00
8 ounces:
$50.00
16 ounces:
$90.00
To purchase any quantity,
and for additional information, please Click Here
to go to our Phosphorescent materials page.
MSDS
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Potassium
Metal
chemical
element:
K
( solid chunks )
Ultra pure quantities of the
element Potassium (atomic number 19),
ideal for element collectors of those conducting experiments/producing
alloys with pure Potassium metal. Potassium is a very soft metal that can
easily be cut with a knife. It reacts violently with water, liberating
explosive Hydrogen gas and igniting it. It is a flammable metal and can
cause severe burns if it comes in contact with the skin. This material
should only be handled by those familiar with its properties. Potassium is shipped in a poly bottle under Mineral Oil within a metal
can. Potassium is a very lightweight metal (so lightweight, that it
actually floats on water). Several chunks included, total weight: 5 grams.
Caution:
Use safety precautions
(wear eye protection and gloves) when working with Potassium metal.
Violently/explosively reacts with water and may ignite on contact with
air. Causes severe burns on contact with body tissue. See MSDS link below.
Note: adult
signature required upon delivery.
Potassium
metal chunks: $45.00
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Potassium
Dichromate
chemical formula: K2Cr2O7
( granular )
Potassium Dichromate is a
common inorganic chemical reagent, most commonly used as an oxidizing
agent in various laboratory and industrial applications. Solutions of it
are used in photography to develop negatives and in the aerospace industry
to protect Magnesium metal components against corrosion. It is also used
in some pyrotechnic compositions that contain Magnesium powder to prevent
the decomposition of the metal.
Caution:
Potassium Dichromate is
both toxic & corrosive. Use normal safety precautions (wear a filter
mask/respirator and gloves) when working with Potassium Dichromate. Accidental
inhalation of fine particles can be dangerous.
Note: adult signature required upon delivery.
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Potassium Hydroxide
chemical formula: KOH
( large flakes )
Potassium Hydroxide is a
powerful alkali, also known as 'Caustic Potash'. It is chemically similar
to Lye. Potassium Hydroxide is used in a wide variety of chemical
processes and is also added to water to make it more conductive in
electrolysis Hydrogen generators. It's also the primary ingredient in
alkaline batteries and is very corrosive to body tissue -
direct contact with it must be avoided.
Caution:
Potassium Hydroxide is
toxic & corrosive. Use normal safety precautions (wear a filter
mask/respirator and gloves) when working with Potassium Hydroxide.
Note: adult signature required upon delivery.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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PVC
chemical
formula: C2H3Cl
( fine powder )
PVC (Polyvinyl
chloride) is a Chlorine donor that deepens the color of flames. Used in
colored fire & star formulas.
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Red Gum
acaroids
resin
( fine powder )
From the Gum Tree in Australia,
Red Gum is an Alcohol soluble binder
& fuel.
Usually 5% to 7% (by weight) of Red Gum is added to colored fire
mixtures, allowing them to be pressed, rolled, or cut into hard pellets
known as "Stars".
MSDS
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Rocket Nozzle Mix
clay & ceramic mix
( coarse
powder )
Made to resist the continuous
high temperatures found in rocket engines, our Rocket Nozzle Mix is ideal
for making plugs and nozzles in cardboard tubes. Granular Grog (a
refractory material) is highly temperature resistant and adds the 'bite'
that locks the compressed plug into the engine casing. Simply pour a little into a
heavy cardboard tube, pound on it a few times with a hammer and
ram, and it will form a rock hard, heat resistant plug (or nozzle with
the appropriate tooling) for
your rockets.
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Rosin
colophony
( powder )
Rosin is a solid form of resin
obtained from pines and other plants. It is used in printing inks, varnishes, adhesives (glues), soap, paper sizing, soda,
and solder.
It is often used as a glazing agent in medicines and chewing gum. When mixed with waxes and oils, Rosin is the main ingredient of Mystic
Smoke, a gum which, when rubbed and suddenly stretched, appears to produce puffs of smoke from the finger tips. Rosin also finds use in some older pyrotechnic
formulations.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Rubidium
chemical
element:
Rb
( solid )
Ultra pure quantities of the
element Rubidium, atomic number 37.
ideal for element collectors of those conducting experiments/producing
alloys with pure Rubidium metal. Rubidium is one of the most reactive metals
known to man - it will ignite upon exposure to air or water. For
protection, our Rubidium samples are sealed in glass ampoules under Argon
gas.
Rubidium has been used as a Bose-Einstein condensate and in atomic clocks.
Ampoules contain 1 gram of pure Rubidium metal.
Caution:
Use safety precautions
(wear eye protection and gloves) when working with Rubidium metal.
Violently/explosively reacts with water and may ignite on contact with
air. Causes severe burns on contact with body tissue. See MSDS link below.
Note: adult
signature required upon delivery.
Rubidium metal,
1 gram: $120.00
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Silver Metal
chemical
element:
Ag
( solid
1" disk )
Ultra pure
(99.99%) Silver metal disks.
Silver is a chemical element; atomic number 47.
Each Silver disk measures 1" in diameter. Dissolve in
Nitric Acid to make Silver Nitrate crystals, use to make Silver Fulminate,
or use as a target for Neutron activation experiments. Disks are vacuum
sealed in a small plastic baggie to prevent oxidation & discoloration
(tarnishing).
1 disk:
$2.50
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Silver Nitrate
chemical
formula: AgNO3
( powder/granular )
A popular demonstration using Silver Nitrate is the production of pure Silver metal. Clean Copper wire or rod suspended in a Silver Nitrate solution will produce a gleaming Silver tree if allowed to stand undisturbed. A solution of Silver Nitrate mixed with a solution of Sodium Chloride (table salt) will produce a precipitate of Silver Chloride, which turns purple on exposure to light.
Contact with Magnesium powder should be avoided. Magnesium & Silver Nitrate Mixtures can explosively ignite without warning or on contact with
the slightest amount of moisture.
Caution:
Silver Nitrate is a
powerful & corrosive oxidizer. Use normal safety precautions (wear a filter
mask/respirator and gloves) when working with Silver Nitrate.
Note: adult signature required upon delivery.
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( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Sodium Metal
chemical
element:
Na
( small cubes )
Ultra pure quantities of the
element Sodium (atomic number 11),
ideal for element collectors of those conducting experiments/producing
alloys with pure Sodium metal. Sodium is a very soft metal that can easily
be cut with a knife. It reacts violently with water, liberating explosive
Hydrogen gas and igniting it. It is a flammable metal and can cause severe
burns if it comes in contact with the skin. This material should only be
handled by those familiar with its properties.
Sodium is shipped in a poly bottle under Mineral Oil within a metal can.
Approximately 20 to 30 small cubes included, total weight: 1 ounce. Sodium is a very lightweight metal
(it actually
floats on water).
Caution:
Use safety precautions
(wear eye protection and gloves) when working with Sodium metal.
Violently/explosively reacts with water and may ignite on contact with
air. Causes severe burns on contact with body tissue. See MSDS link below.
Note: adult signature required upon delivery.
Sodium metal cubes:
$25.00
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Sodium Acetate
chemical formula: CH3COONa·3H2O
( crystal/granular )
Supersaturated solutions of Sodium Acetate are used in hand warmers. By clicking on a metal disc in the
liquid, the solution quickly crystallizes into a solid releasing heat. Heating the material returns it to its liquid state.
An experiment of this type can be found by Clicking
Here. Sodium Acetate is also used in the textile industry to neutralize Sulfuric acid waste streams, and as a photoresist while using Aniline dyes. It is also a pickling agent in Chrome tanning, and it helps to retard vulcanization of Chloroprene in synthetic rubber production. Sodium Acetate may be added to foods as a preservative; in this application it is usually labeled E262.
MSDS
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Sodium Benzoate
chemical formula: NaC7H5O2
( coarse powder )
Sodium Benzoate is a common food
additive that is used as a preservative, effectively killing most yeasts,
bacteria, and fungi. In pyrotechnics, it is often ground into a fine
powder and mixed with Potassium Perchlorate. This mixture is known as "Whistle
Mix", a powder which produces a whistling noise when compressed into
a tube and ignited.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Sodium
Bisulfate
chemical formula: NaH2SO4·H2O
( coarse powder )
Sodium Bisulfate is frequently used as
a replacement for Sulfuric Acid in many applications. Since Sulfuric Acid
is prohibitively expensive to ship, Sodium Bisulfate is a popular
substitute that can be shipped with no problem. Dissolving it in water
will produce a reasonably strong acid that is useful in a wide variety of
experiments that call for Sulfuric Acid.
Note: adult signature
required upon delivery.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Sodium
Ferrocyanide
chemical formula: Na4Fe(CN)6
( powder )
Sodium Ferrocyanide is mainly used to produce Prussian Blue pigment, used in the manufacture of inks. This can be demonstrated by pouring solutions of Ferric Ammonium Sulfate and Sodium Ferrocyanide together, producing an intense indigo blue color. Sodium Ferrocyanide does not exhibit the deadly toxicity found in other Cyanide compounds due to the strong chemical bond between iron and the cyanide groups.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Sodium Hydroxide
chemical formula: NaOH
( pellets )
Sodium Hydroxide (also known as Lye or
Caustic Soda) forms a strongly alkaline solution when dissolved in water,
Sodium Hydroxide is widely used in many industries, mostly as a strong
chemical base in the manufacture of pulp and paper, textiles, drinking
water, soaps and detergents. It is highly corrosive, and extreme care is
required in its use. Solutions of it can cause severe burns on any part of
the body exposed. Sodium hydroxide has also been used with Zinc metal for
creation of the famous "Gold pennies" experiment. When a penny
is boiled in a solution of Sodium Hydroxide together with some granular
Zinc metal, the color of the penny will turn silver in about 45 seconds.
The penny is then held in the flame of a propane or Bunsen burner for a
few seconds and it turns golden (the Zinc and Copper from the penny form
Brass, giving it the gold color).
Caution:
Sodium Hydroxide is
toxic & corrosive. Use normal safety precautions (wear a filter
mask/respirator and gloves) when working with Sodium Hydroxide.
Note: adult signature
required upon delivery.
MSDS
( Material Safety Data Sheet )
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Sodium Polyacrylate
chemical
formula: CH2-CH(CO2Na)
( granular )
Sodium
Polyacrylate is an acrylate polymer which can absorb between 200 and 300
times its own weight of water. It is one of the superabsorbent polymer
gels, known as a polyelectrolyte.
This long-chain polymer is absolutely amazing to see absorb water and expand
to 100 times its original volume! A great
demo is to put 10 grams in a large beaker and quickly pour in 200 ml of
water.
In about 2 seconds, the Sodium Polyacrylate will erupt into a
gigantic pile of what looks like artificial snow. It will feel cool to the
touch (due to evaporation) but will remain completely dry. Best of all,
just allow the material to dry out, and it will return to its original
volume. It can be reused indefinitely.
Other than the erupting snow demonstration, there are an infinite amount
of possible uses for this unique material. Completely
safe & non-toxic.
Click Here to see a video of
the demo.
QuickTime 7 required.
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Sodium
Silicate solution
chemical
formula: Na2O-2SiO2
( liquid )
Sodium Silicate, also known as
'Water Glass' or 'Liquid Glass', is a compound used in cements, passive
fire protection, refractories, textile and lumber processing. Sodium
Silicate was also used as an egg preservation agent in the early 20th
Century with large success. When fresh eggs are immersed in it, bacteria
which cause the eggs to spoil are kept out and water is kept in. Eggs can
be kept fresh using this method for up to nine months.
Sodium Silicate, mixed with Ethyl Alcohol makes a SuperBall, a common
chemistry Demonstration. The experiment can be found by Clicking
Here.
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Sodium
Thiosulfate
chemical formula: Na2S2O3
( powder )
Sodium Thiosulfate, a very versatile chemical, is commonly known as 'Hypo'.
It is a photographic fixer that's used for both film and paper developing. It's also used in the tanning of leather, chemical manufacture, water assessment, and in treating Cyanide poisoning. It's also very good at removing Iodine stains.
Sodium Thiosulfate is used to lower Chlorine levels in swimming pools and spas following Super Chlorination. It's also frequently used to dechlorinate tap water for aquariums, and treat effluents from waste water treatments prior to release into rivers.
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Strontium Carbonate
chemical
formula: SrCO3
( fine powder )
A flame coloring
agent that makes great RED or PINK colored stars, or to produce a bright
Red/Pink
color in flames.
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Sulfur
chemical
element: S
( fine powder )
A chemical element (atomic
number 16), Sulfur is
used in a tremendous number of chemical formulas & manufacturing
processes from the production of batteries and detergents, to fertilizers
and fireworks. Amorphous or "plastic" Sulfur can be produced by
pouring molten Sulfur into cold water. Elemental sulfur is odorless.
It occurs naturally, and burns with a blue flame that emits Sulfur
Dioxide, notable for its peculiar suffocating odor. Sulfur is insoluble in
water but soluble in Carbon Disulfide. This is high quality ACS/Reagent
grade Sulfur, ideal for all chemistry & laboratory uses, not
to be confused with the useless
low-grade fertilizer Sulfur.
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Tin Metal
chemical
element: Sn
( shot )
High purity Tin metal. Tin is a
chemical element; atomic number 50. Ideal
for producing small research quantities of unique alloys, etc. The melting
point of Tin is: 449.47 °F (231.93 °C). Several
low melting temperature alloys can be easily produced using Tin metal.
Wood's metal for example, is an alloy made from 50% bismuth, 25% lead,
12.5% tin, and 12.5% cadmium. Great for electroplating or dipping Iron or
Steel to prevent corrosion.
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Tin
(Stannic) Oxide
chemical formula: SnO2
( powder )
Used in making fine optics as a
polishing compound. Wet with a small amount of water, Tin Oxide forms a
paste that can be used to produce a fantastically fine finish to precious
metals and precision optical components. It is also used to make other Tin
compounds for electroplating, etc.
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Titanium
chemical element: Ti
(
coarse
granular )
Hugh
purity, granular Titanium metal. Titanium is a chemical element; atomic
number 22.
Titanium produces
bright sparks when small amounts are added to pyrotechnic mixtures. It
adds a
long-lasting, bright spark effect to many firework formulas.
Approximately 10 to 30 mesh.
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Titanium
Dioxide
chemical formula: TiO2
( powder )
Aside from its historical use as a
pigment and in cosmetic formulations, Titanium Dioxide has recently found
a wide variety of unusual applications. Glass being manufactured with the
material becomes virtually self-cleaning as it somehow interferes with
opaque organic deposits. Like Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide is a powerful
screen against UV radiation.
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Thermite-high
yield
chemical
mixture
( powder )
A high yield iron Thermite
mixture.
When ignited, Thermite burns producing a shower of
molten Iron at well over 4,000 degrees F. Great for casting metal parts in
sand, welding iron together, or cutting through steel sheet.
Thermite requires a very high temperature to ignite and Thermite Ignition
Mixture is recommended. Ignition with Magnesium Ribbon is sometimes successful,
but this method is notoriously unreliable.
Proper
instructions for using Thermite to cast and
weld small metal parts is included.
Note: adult
signature required upon delivery.
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Thermite
Ignition Mixture
chemical
mixture
( powder )
As users of Thermite know, it
is very difficult to get Thermite to ignite. Although it is possible to
ignite it
with a propane torch or Magnesium ribbon, it does not always work, and can
leave you frustrated.
Thermite can even be heated until it's red hot and still not ignite.
Thermite Ignition Mixture produces the high temperature necessary to start
the Thermite reaction. Thermite Ignition Mixture can
itself be lit with a conventional fuse or electric igniter. Only a very small
amount (usually 1/8 teaspoon) is required to ignite any size pile of Thermite.
Bottle contains approximately 1 ounce of Thermite Ignition Mixture.
Shipped in a small poly bottle inside a metal can.
Note: adult signature
required upon delivery.
1
bottle:
$12.00
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Tungsten
Metal
chemical
element:
W
( rods )
Tungsten is a very hard, dense metal
that has the highest melting temperature of all metals: 6,192°F
(3,422°C). It is a chemical element; atomic number 74.
Tungsten has excellent corrosion resistance
and is only
slightly affected by acids. Because of these properties, it is
frequently used as electrodes in high-energy electrical equipment (such as
targets in X-ray tubes and spark gaps in Tesla Coils) where other metals
would vaporize or melt. The thin filaments in light bulbs are made of fine
Tungsten wire. Our solid Tungsten rods are1/8" in
diameter, and 3" to 3.5" long.
Approximate weight is 12 grams.
1 rod: $10.00
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Uranium
Metal
chemical
element:
U
( metal chunks )
High
Purity Uranium238 metal chunks. Uranium is a chemical element;
atomic number 92.
Ideal for element collectors or conducting experiments with genuine
Uranium metal. Uranium is a very hard, radioactive metal... and at
19050 kg/m³, it is 70% denser than Lead. At least 5 grams of pure Uranium
metal are included. Pieces vary in size and shape, but you'll always get
at least 5 grams. To see what typical 5g Uranium Samples look like, Click
Here.
The Uranium samples are sealed in a vacuum pouch under low pressure Argon
gas to prevent any additional oxidation or discoloration of the metal.
The half-life of Uranium238 is 4.5 billion years.
Caution:
Use normal safety
precautions (wear a filter mask/respirator and gloves) when working with
Uranium metal. Accidental inhalation or ingestion of Uranium particles can
be dangerous. Machining will produce particles that can spontaneously
ignite producing radioactive smoke.
Note: adult signature required upon delivery.
Uranium metal
chunks: $35.00
Note: Due to the limited availability of this item we must limit purchases
to 2 per customer
Larger
Uranium Samples:
Much larger
Uranium samples are also available. Click Here
to view current stock.
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Vanadium Pentoxide
chemical
formula: V2O5
( fine powder )
A Vanadium Pentoxide is a rare
chemical used in a variety of industrial processes as a powerful catalyst
to speed up or complete chemical reactions. Its most important use is in the manufacture of Sulfuric Acid. Acting as a catalyst in the process, it is highly effective in converting Sulfur Dioxide into Sulfur Trioxide. Unlike most metal oxides, Vanadium Pentoxide is slightly soluble in water.
Vanadium Pentoxide is toxic and should be treated as a poison. Use appropriate safety equipment to avoid ingestion or inhalation of this material.
Caution:
Vanadium Pentoxide is
toxic. Use normal safety precautions (wear a filter mask/respirator and
gloves) when working with Vanadium Pentoxide.
Note: adult
signature required upon delivery.
Sorry
- Temporarily Sold Out
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Wood's Metal
alloy of 4 metals (see below)
( blobs/drops )
The metal that melts in hot water !
Wood's metal is a fascinating alloy composed
of
Bismuth, Cadmium, Tin and Lead with
a melting temperature of only 158 degrees F... it will actually melt in hot water... and
solidifies as quickly at room temperature. Small random shaped pieces are convenient
to work with to make easily-castable metal parts or radiation shielding.
Great for classroom demonstrations.
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Yttrium Metal
chemical
element:
Y
( granular )
Ultra pure quantities of
the element Yttrium
(atomic number 39), ideal for element collectors of those conducting
experiments/producing alloys with pure Yttrium metal.
Yttrium is a rare-earth metal; its oxide compounds are often used to make
the red color phosphors in cathode ray tube displays. The pure metal is
used as a catalyst for ethylene polymerization. Yttrium is frequently used
as a dopant to produce a variety of crystals with interesting properties.
These crystals are used in lasers and in LED phosphors. Yttrium is also a
component of several high temperature superconducting materials.
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Zinc
Metal Dust
chemical element:
Zn
( very fine dust )
Pure Zinc metal
powder (dust). Zinc is a chemical element; atomic number 30.
Zinc dust has a
number of applications in the chemical industry, mainly as a reducing
agent.
It is frequently incorporated into paint for corrosion protection.
Another popular use is in alkaline batteries. The Zinc, along with
Manganese Dioxide and Potassium Hydroxide form a powerful primary battery.
Zinc dust is also used in some older military smoke formulations. An
interesting chemistry demonstration using Zinc dust is the
"Water Starts a Fire" experiment, found on
our Chemistry Experiments
Page.
Zinc dust burns with a blue-green flame.
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Zinc Metal Strips
chemical
element:
Zn
( thick strips )
Very
high purity, heavy Zinc metal strips.
Zinc is a chemical element; atomic number 30.
Ideal for use as an electrode in homemade batteries ( simply stick a Zinc
strip and Copper strip in a fresh Lemon and you've got a battery ). Also
great for other science experiments / classroom demonstrations. Strips
measure about 5" long,
3/4" wide, and a little over 1/16" thick.
1 strip:
$2.50
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Zinc
Oxide
chemical
formula: ZnO
( fine powder )
Zinc Oxide
has the uncanny ability to absorb ultraviolet (UV) light, which is why
it's the first choice for powerful sunscreen lotions. Aside from its ability to
treat minor skin irritations and burns, it makes an amazing, rock-hard
adhesive when mixed with an equal amount of Calcium Carbonate and a little
Sodium Silicate to form a paste. This rapid setting adhesive is typically
used to plug firework tubes.
Zinc Oxide also exhibits the piezoelectric effect, generating voltage
under mechanical stress. It has also recently been used to produce blue
LEDs.
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Zinc Sulfide
>ACTIVATED<
chemical
formula: ZnS:Ag:Cu
( very fine powder )
This is our specially
manufactured Zinc Sulfide. It has been activated with Silver at over 1500
degrees, and quenched with Copper salts... making it glow blue when
exposed to Alpha radiation. This is not the inexpensive
"glow-in-the-dark" variety of Zinc Sulfide... this material only
glows on exposure to Alpha radiation. Make your own Spinthariscope, or
point an Alpha radiation source at this and watch it sparkle! Other forms
of radiation (Beta & Gamma) do not make this material illuminate.
A little
goes a long way.
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