Magnalium (Magnesium-Aluminum Alloy)
A material finding increasing popularity in pyrotechnics is the 50/50 alloy of magnesium and aluminum, termed "magnalium." Shimizu reports that this material is a solid solution of Al 3Mg2 in Al2Mg3 , with a melting point of 460°C. The alloy is considerably more stable than aluminum metal when combined with nitrate salts, and reacts much more slowly than magnesium metal with weak acids. It therefore offers stability advantages over both of its component materials.
The Chinese make wide use of magnalium in fireworks items o produce attractive white sparks and "crackling" effects. Shimizu also reports that a branching spark effect can be produced using magnalium with a black powder-type composition.