This table of flame coloration is modified from the book "Determinative Mineralogy and Blowpipe Analysis" by Brush & Penfield, 1906. The colors are best observed by heating the sample on a loop of platinum wire moistened with HCl. The spectra are calculated to represent the emission from a flame and are based on the work of John Talbot. Additional data for each element were obtained from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Make your own Mini Spectroscope courtesy of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Print a copy of this PDF document and follow the directions.
The lithium minerals, which are either silicates or phosphates, do not become alkaline after ignition. Compare Strontium.
Carbonates and sulfates show the strontium reaction, and become alkaline after ignition. Silicates and phosphates do not give the strontium flame.
Only a few minerals give this calcium color decisively when heated alone. Often, however, the color shows distinctly after moistening the assay with hydrochloric acid.
This test for sodium is so delicate that great care must be exercised in using it. Glass blowers Didymium Safety Glasses may be used to block out this emission to observe the less intense colors.
Carbonates and sulfates show the reaction, and become alkaline after ignition. Silicates and phosphates do not give the barium flame.
If the molybdenum is in the form of the oxide or the sulfide.
Boron compounds rarely show an alkaline reaction after ignition. Green color is due to the blue and orange in the spectrum.
Not often observed due to the rarity of thallium-bearing minerals.
The phosphorus color is not very decisive, but often aids in the identification of a phosphate.
Zinc appears as bright streaks in the flame.
Tellurium is not very decisive.
Antimony is not very decisive.
Lead is not very decisive.
The copper flame color is dependent on the presence of halide (I, F, Br, or Cl). The color can be used to detect halides by using copper oxide moistened with test solution. The outer darts of the flame are tinged with emerald-green.
The selenium color is accompanied by the characteristic odor of rotting radishes.
The element Indium is named for the prominent blue lines in its spectrum.
The arsenic color is accompanied by the characteristic odor of garlic.
The potassium color is often masked by the more prominent yellow from sodium.
The rubidium color is often masked by the more prominent yellow from sodium.
The cesium color is often masked by the more prominent yellow from sodium. The first element found using a spectroscope.
