Fire and Its Colors

Fire is the result of a chemical reaction known as combustion, where fuel combines with oxygen to produce heat, light, and other byproducts. The colors of fire vary depending on temperature and the substances burning, as different elements emit different colors when they are heated.

Common Fire Colors and Their Meanings

• Red (approx. 525–1000 °C): Common in cooler flames, like wood fires. Indicates lower temperature and incomplete combustion.
• Orange (approx. 1000–1200 °C): A warmer color, often seen in a steady flame from wood or paper fires.
• Yellow (approx. 1200–1400 °C): Produced by burning sodium, indicates higher temperature.
• Blue (approx. 1400–1650 °C): Indicates high combustion efficiency, seen in gas stoves and alcohol flames.
• White (above 1650 °C): The hottest part of a fire, often seen in welding, with the highest energy levels.

Unique Fire Colors from Different Elements

• Green: Often from copper compounds or boron.
• Purple or Violet: Due to potassium or potassium chloride.
• Pink: Typically from lithium or rubidium salts.

These colors are produced because each element emits specific wavelengths of light when heated, creating a "flame test" color unique to that element.