pyrotechnics-revived/chapters/99-1-chemical-diatomaceous-...

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## Diatomaceous Earth
**Formula**
Complex mineral which is rich in Silica (80-90%)
**Pyrotechnics use**
???
**Synonyms**
diatomite, celite or kieselguhr
**Description**
A naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that can be crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It has a particle size ranging from more than 3 mm to less than 1 μm, but typically 10 to 200 μm.[1] Depending on the granularity, this powder can have an abrasive feel, similar to pumice powder, and has a low density as a result of its high porosity. The typical chemical composition of oven-dried diatomaceous earth is 8090% silica, with 24% alumina (attributed mostly to clay minerals), and 0.52% iron oxide.
Diatomaceous earth consists of the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled microalgae, that have accumulated over millions of years.
```
Name: Fence-post prime
Type: Prime
Source: Eugene Yurek
Potassium Nitrate 65
Charcoal Airfloat 12
Sulfur 10
Diatomaceous Earth 5
Silicon (325 mesh) 5
Charcoal, spruce, ball milled 3
Named for it's purported ability to light wet fence posts in a hurricane. The silicon burns and forms molten glass.
I don't want to copy and paste the comments from passfire here but I'll try to cover a few bases.. The DE makes this stuff pretty fluffy. Use about 1/3 less than you would with a regular prime. A layer 1-1.5mm thick is all you should ever need. If your stars are ridiculously difficult, up the silicon to no more than 10%.
Source: https://www.amateurpyro.com/forums/topic/2676-fence-post-prime/
```
**Sources**
**Hazards**
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth