Regarding aluminum, here's an excerpt from a boy scouts Magic Fire Starter document compiled by Scouter Stewart Bowman, 8th Whitby Scout Troop, Whitby District, Lakeridge Region, Ontario, Canada, November 1992<br><br>>>>3] Crush 1 teaspoon of iodine crystals to a very fine powder, then mix with 2 teaspoons of powdered aluminium. IT IS CRITICAL THAT THIS MIXTURE REMAINS ABSOLUTELY DRY.<br><br>Place this mixture in the fire lay on a piece of plywood, forming a volcano shaped mound. When the participants are gathered around the campfire, ask if anyone has a canteen of water in case the fire gets 'out of hand' (you may want to set this up beforehand). Pat your pockets as if looking for a match, but finding none, ask to borrow some water. Sprinkle it on the fire lay (ensure a few drops hit the iodine/aluminium mixture) and you will be greeted by billowing purple smoke, followed by deep red flames. Someone is bound to ask, "OK. So how do you put it out?" Simply tell them you'll throw matches on it!<br><br>Note: The powdered iodine "evaporates" very quickly. As a result this mixture must be used within about 10 minutes of preparation. <<<<br><br>There are other interesting techniques, many are fairly well known. I'd be happy to email the full text to anyone who's interested. Send me a private email if you'd like a copy.