I need help. In middle school I built a model volcano that used some type of crystal/powderthat produced a cloud of smoke and ash cinders that made a very realistic eruption. Using a can as the crater of a model volcano I poured the crystals into the can, light them with a match and produced a dense smoke that dropped black cinders. Unfortunately I can't recall what the chemical was and no one seems to have any idea! Can you help?

jack parks

I am familiar with the chemical you describe. Early in my career when I trained teachers we would use the same demo. Then I learned the chemical was extremely toxic and that there were several cases of small children dying from ingesting it. I personally decided to stop using the chemical in demos and stop training teachers to use it. I'm sorry I cannot help you. I have developed several demos that are described in VolcanoWorld (http://volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/volc_models/models.html). The most realistic demo mimics several aspects of explosive eruptions (http://volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/volc_models/explosive.html). I challenge you to develop a realistic model that does not involve toxic chemicals. I wish you success and hope you share your ideas with us at VolcanoWorld.

Sincerely,
Steve Mattox

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