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Two Methods:Take Safety PrecautionsMake the ThermiteCommunity Q&A

Thermite is a material used in welding to melt metals together. It burns at around 2,200 °C (3,990 °F) and can melt through most metals. Extreme caution must be taken when making thermite. Clear the entire area of any flammable or combustible material, and make sure that you won't miss what's underneath the thermite; otherwise you're in trouble!


Method 1
Take Safety Precautions

  1. 1
    Select your site carefully. Make sure there is nothing that can burn within four meter radius of the reaction. Check that metals with low melting points, such as lead, tin, cadmium, or zinc, aren't near your four meter radius.
  2. 2
    Wear a welding mask for completely protecting, but sunglasses at the very least. In addition to being extremely hot, thermite emits UV radiation that can damage your eyes if not dealt with properly.
  3. 3
    Wear sturdy gloves and cover your body. As a precaution, fully clothe your body and make sure you're wearing thick gloves.

Method 2
Make the Thermite

  1. 1
    Obtain finely powdered iron oxide (rust), aluminum powder, and a thin strip of magnesium. The iron oxide and aluminum will react to form thermite, while the magnesium will serve as the ignition material.
    • You can find aluminum powder in a paint store, an Etch-a-Sketch, or you can buy it on the internet.
    • If you don't want to use magnesium strips to ignite the materials, you can also use a combination of potassium permanganate and glycerin, both of which can be obtained in retail stores and online.
  2. 2
    Mix the aluminum and iron oxide powder together in a 27:80 ratio by weight. There will be a lot more iron oxide then aluminum.
    • For example, if you have 10 grams of iron oxide and 10 grams of aluminum, take 8 grams of iron oxide and 2.7 grams of aluminum powder and mix them together until fully incorporated.
  3. 3
    Pour the mixture into a strong container, such as a cast iron container or clay flower pot. Note that if you ignite the thermite, it will melt through the cast iron.
  4. 4
    Insert the magnesium strip.
  5. 5
    Light the magnesium strip and it will burn out in a few seconds. If you're using potassium permanganate and glycerin, put in three parts of glycerin first, and then stir in one part potassium permanganate. If that doesn't light, it's best to use a magnesium strip.

Community Q&A

Answered Questions
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  • Is it possible to use aluminum oxide instead powdered aluminum?
    • No. Thermite is an oxidation of the aluminum powder to aluminum oxide and a concurrent reduction of the iron oxide powder to iron. The aluminum and iron oxidation and reduction, respectively, form the two half cells of the thermite redox reaction. If you start with aluminum oxide and iron, you have the stable products after a thermite reaction, not the unstable reagents needed to make a thermite reaction.
    Helpful? Thanks! 5 0
  • Where do I buy iron oxide?
    • You can buy iron oxide at a pottery supply store or online. You can also get it by rusting some steel wool.
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  • Don't put it on ice or anything that is under room temperature; it will cause it to explode.
  • Consider putting a mold under the thermite to catch the resulting molten iron.
  • Igniting the Magnesium fuse can be difficult, so try using a Propane torch.
  • Avoid igniting thermite on public property or on streets, sidewalks, or other thoroughfares. Burning a hole through the surface may get you in trouble, and cause trouble for others, too.


  • Do not try to extinguish a thermite reaction using water. When you have selected your site carefully it is safest to let it burn. Otherwise use copious amounts of dry sand. A thermite reaction is irreversible once it starts.
  • Make sure your magnesium strip is long enough for you to get out of the way in time.
  • Lighting thermite on an ice block is highly discouraged as it may cause a dangerous explosion.
  • Do not use cast iron for the ignition pit, it can burn through most metals, use ceramics instead
  • Do not look into the flame directly, use welders glasses.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher (to put out secondary fires; putting out a metal fire is nearly impossible) and first aid kit handy, and wear appropriate safety gear (goggles, fireproof apron, heavy gloves).
  • Do not pour an extra amount of thermite on a thermite flame or on the hot reaction products.
  • This is a dangerous activity. Thermite burns at an incredibly high temperature and may cause burns.
  • Use of thermite is illegal in some regions.
  • Do not try to grind up the metals into powder yourself. Buy them in jars from a chemical company.
  • Use only a very strong container, and don't hold it while it burns.
  • If something happens call emergency services immediately.

Sources and Citations

Article Info

Categories: Chemistry

In other languages:

Español: hacer termita, Deutsch: Thermit herstellen, Português: Fazer Termite, Français: fabriquer de la thermite, Italiano: Fare la Termite, Nederlands: Thermiet maken, Bahasa Indonesia: Membuat Termit, Русский: сделать термитную смесь, Čeština: Jak vyrobit termit

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