Red, white but rarely blue – the science of fireworks colors, explained

Most of us look forward to the fireworks on the Fourth of July. But did you ever wonder how the chemists create those colors that light up the night sky? Are some colors harder to create than others?

By: Paul E. Smith, Purdue University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: July 4, 2026

Words: 726

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 4 days ago

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By Paul E. Smith, Purdue University

In the earliest days of the United States, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail about the celebration of independence, “It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” “Bonfires and illuminations” refer directly to what we know as pyrotechnics and firework displays.

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