Black snake (firework)

Black snakes are a type of outdoor firework.

After lighting the small tablet, the firework starts smoking and an ash resembling a snake is expelled. They stay on the ground and do not emit sparks, flares, any form of projectiles, or any sound, but may release smoke.

Sodium bicarbonate which produces carbon dioxide gas and sugar forming carbon containing ash, are common chemicals used for this kind of firework. Other sources report the contents as "a nitrated mixture of linseed oil and naphthalenes."

The traditional "Pharaoh's serpent" version of this firework produced a more impressive snake, but it depended for its operation upon mercury thiocyanate, which is no longer used because of its toxicity.

In popular culture