gun powder - maybe, or - The "classic" type of sparkler consists of a thin metal rod approximately one foot long that has been dipped in a thick batter of pyrotechnic composi
…tion and allowed to dry. This composition is rich in a metallic fuel such as aluminum or iron, which when burned creates silver or gold sparks, respectively. The fuel typically contains potassium nitrate or sometimes potassium chlorate as an oxidizer, sometimes with sulfur and carbon. Colored flame can be achieved by addition of nitrates or chlorides of barium, copper, or strontium. A more modern type of sparkler, known as the "Morning Glory", consists of a long, thin paper tube filled with composition and attached to a wooden rod using brightly-colored tissue paper and ribbon. Several different compositions can be packed into a single tube, resulting in a sparkler that changes color. However, some people take the tubes, break them in half, and spill the powder out in a container, such as a butter container, and throw a match in. These "sparkler bombs", while not bombs, do emit a incredibly bright and high flame, albeit briefly (about 1 second). Sparkler bombs have also been made using classic sparklers by binding many together and lighting them. The effect produced by these is similar to those made using "Morning Glory" sparklers. (MORE)