Why dose my mg/kno3 flash powder not work?

Question

i have got some kno3 off the internet and some magnesium mixed with some aluminum and what i do is separate the magnesium from the aluminum(the mix is in chunks) and then grind it in my mortar and pestle for five minuets then mix it with the kno3 but then when i light it all it dose it flare up and make tons of smoke and crackle why will it not pop like flash powder is meant to please help me

thanks

kris

Answer 1

maybe it wasn't in the correct proportions or maybe there is a little bit of aluminum in the solution. I think it is better if you use magnesium in its pure form.