Potentially hazardous chemicals require an adult signature upon delivery.
These chemicals can only be delivered by UPS.
We cannot ship hazardous chemicals to Alaska or Hawaii.
See individual product descriptions for which chemicals require an adult signature on delivery.

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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.

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 )

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 )

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 )

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.

1 container: $3.00

MSDS ( Material Safety Data Sheet )

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 )

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.

2 ounces: $30.00

MSDS ( Material Safety Data Sheet )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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.