The Science Behind Purple Fireworks: The Rarest Colour in the Sky

There’s something undeniably hypnotic about purple fireworks. While reds, greens, and golds regularly hog the limelight, when a proper royal purple bursts across the sky, you can’t help but stare. But did you know purple is one of the trickiest firework colours to master?

Here’s the lowdown on why purple fireworks are the problem child of the pyrotechnic family — and why, when you see them, you’re basically witnessing chemistry showing off.

Why Purple Fireworks Are So Rare and The Chemical Trickery Behind the Colour

First off, purple isn’t easy to find in nature, and it’s just as elusive in the world of fireworks. Unlike colours like red or green, there’s no single chemical compound that burns a true, vibrant purple on its own. Instead, pyrotechnicians have to play mixologist with two different metal compounds:

• Strontium compounds for red (like strontium nitrate or carbonate)

• Copper compounds for blue (such as copper chloride or copper sulfate)

Blend those together just right and voilà — you get purple. Well... sometimes.

The problem is, too much copper and your firework ends up blue. Too much strontium and you’re veering dangerously close to pink. There’s a very fine line, and only the most skilled pyrotechnicians can nail that deep, royal purple without the colour looking muddy or washed out.

The Role of Temperature — Hotter Isn’t Always Better

Temperature plays a massive part in all of this too. The red and blue elements respond differently to heat, so if the firework burns too hot or too cold, the colour balance can shift mid-bloom. It’s like trying to bake the perfect soufflé in a wood-fired oven — there’s a lot that can go wrong, but when it goes right, it’s spectacular.

Add in factors like the size of the firework shell, how high it explodes, and even the humidity in the air, and you’ll understand why purple fireworks are a rare treat.

A Chemical Balancing Act

Creating that magical purple effect is basically chemistry with a flair for the dramatic. It’s a painstaking process of:

• Experimenting with different ratios of strontium and copper compounds

• Tweaking the temperature profiles to balance the red and blue emissions

• Testing various compositions to make sure the colour stays vivid at different altitudes and atmospheric conditions

All while keeping everything safe and stable, because let’s face it — no one wants their colour experiments going off prematurely in the warehouse.

Why Purple Fireworks Are Worth the Effort

When you see a proper purple firework, you’re not just seeing colours in the sky — you’re seeing the result of science, patience, and a bit of pyrotechnic wizardry. It’s no wonder purple has long been the colour of royalty. When it shows up in a display, it carries that same sense of rarity and grandeur.

So next time you spot that lush violet burst in the night sky, give a little nod to the boffins behind the scenes who made it happen.

FAQs About Purple Fireworks

What chemicals make purple fireworks?

A combination of strontium compounds (for red) and copper compounds (for blue). The right ratio creates the perfect purple.

Are purple fireworks more expensive?

Not always, but due to the precision needed to get the colour right, purple fireworks can sometimes cost a bit more than standard colour effects.

Can I buy purple fireworks in the UK?

Yes — we stock a wide range of fireworks that include purple effects. Check out our collections to find fireworks with vibrant purples mixed in with other stunning colours.

Why are purple fireworks so hard to make?

Because combining red and blue light at high temperatures isn’t straightforward — and the chemicals must burn at just the right heat to achieve the perfect shade without tipping too blue or too pink.

Want to Put On Your Own Colourful Sky Show?

Whether you’re after a full rainbow of effects or want to wow your mates with your own royal purple display, we’ve got you covered.

Epic Fireworks stocks the UK’s biggest range of top-quality consumer fireworks — from rockets to barrages and fountains to roman candles. Whatever the occasion — Bonfire Night, Diwali, weddings, gender reveals — we’ve got the pyro to make it pop.

Explore our full fireworks collection and find your perfect display today

More Fireworks Knowledge and Inspiration

If you love learning about the magic behind the bangs and booms, check out our other blog posts. You’ll especially want to read our ultimate guide to at home firework displays — so you’ll always know how to put on an epic display.