Chrysanthemum 8 is a composition which was designed by Takeo Shimizu. The 8 in that name comes from the ratio of charcoal to potassium nitrate, which is 8:10. A reddish fire dust is obtained, which is relatively short lived. When willow charcoal is used instead of pine, long lived fire dust is obtained. To obtain the fire dust, the potassium nitrate must be soaked into the charcoal. Hence a wet process must be used for mixing.

This mix burns well and reasonably fast, but not as fast as Chrysanthemum 6 - Charcoal star. Pine charcoal is used to obtain a more attractive spark.

Method:

Like other charcoal stars this composition can be prepaired either by screening together pre-powdered ingredients, or by ball milling to mix and reduce the particle size. What method is used is up to personal taste. Screening together gives a grainier, longer lasting tail, whilst ball milling gives a shorter lived, but brighter and more full bodied effect.  The chrysanthemum mix can now be rolled, pumped, pressed etc. When preparing the stars, use a solution of about 75% water and 25% isopropyl alcohol (do not add any more than 25% alcohol). The alcohol makes the water wetter by breaking down the surface tension of the composition and allows the water to be absorbed easier. The drying time of a composition is also reduced as alcohol evaporates faster than water.