[Myrddin]

My chemistry class collected red rust and clipped aluminum cans into fine chunks. Our thermite reaction was initiated on top of a sand surface with a little commercial grade thermite and a magnesium ribbon. The blob of steel that resulted was about the size of your fist. The amount of commercial grade thermite used was about a teaspoon of powder. The rest of the material was from the collected rust/aluminum cans. We knew what was going to happen before it was initiated, thus the sand box surface.

Years later, the same chemistry teacher made a little potassium perchlorate and sugar to create the classic purple volcano. That didn't turn out well. It detonated and blew off the edge of the lab table.

[Skid Marx]

This was actually a 'legit' project. The teacher supplied the rusted steel, It was up to us to recycle it. Everyone in the class had a different method. I spent a couple of days with a smooth file and an aluminum bar, because I'm a knucklehead. The teacher reminded me that aluminum was more expensive per unit than iron, but he had to demonstrate it anyway, even though he knew what would happen. It was irresistible. You'd understand. Had about a pound of finely grained product, used maybe half of it. Also used mag. ribbon to light it directly. The results flared to the ceiling and spalled all over the place. My friend Bill's method used HCl and limestone granules, it blew up in his face.