I used to be a machinist and in that capacity for awhile I worked for a firm and we made the T.O.W. missiles for the U.S. military. (Tube launched, Optically tracked, Wire guided).

The stabilizing and guidance pop-out fins were made of magnesium. We used to have huge bales of magnesium shavings that we would assemble in the evenings into a pile about 1 meter tall. We would light it with a match, which was difficult to start. Once ignited it would glow a bright white. Then of course, we had to throw a large bucket of water on it, which is like throwing gasoline on a fire. Man was that fun!