Since Vern offered up that Bend uses Magnesium Chloride, I'll update
the flame test info....magnesium chloride has no color in the flame
test (neither magnesium nor chlorine, excite electrons in the visible
spectrum.) Sodium does. That's why the flame test is an easy way to
distinguish between sodium chloride (white powder) and magnesium
chloride (white powder.) Both are also easily soluble in water.

On Aug 24, 2009, at 2:27 PM, Rocket J Squirrel wrote:

> Thanks, Vern!
>
> I knew about the use (temporary, I think I read, due to
> availability) of
> crushed basalt last winter. I didn't know that the red cinders had
> become
> an air pollution issue. Bend is pretty dusty.
>
> Okay, back to the magnesium chloride and my Vanagon.