G'morning Mike, 

 MR> I spelled it wrong as according to Britanica it has no E ending and is
 MR> written as Thermit. Yes, magnesium tape is used to light it.

My chemistry texts has it as "thermite" - but an ancient Websters 
explains the difference.  "Thermit" was the registered tradename 
for the commercial product - and `thermite' the generic noun now 
used in the literature.

Fascinating stuff, history...

 MR> It consists of aluminum powder and iron oxide. It produces a
 MR> temperature estimated between 2,300 and 2,700 Centigrade. It was
 MR> discovered by Dr.Hans Goldschmidt of Essen, Germany. He was trying to
 MR> refine chromium and manganese. The temperature was so high at the
 MR> moment of ignition that it exploded. He was granted US patent #615700
 MR> on March 16, 1897 relating to the use of aluminum as a reducing agent
 MR> for producing carbon free metals, and is known as the aluminothermic
 MR> process. Thermit is commonly used in foundry work and for welding.

Still ?   I might try to buy some here and see;  we have a major 
aluminium smelter and an iron foundry in NZ,  as well as a much- 
repaired national railway,  so the odds should be good.

:-)
 
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