has difficulty detecting small concentrations of some elements, while too strong a result may be produced for certain others, which tends to cause fainter colors to not appear. Although the flame test only gives qualitative information, not quantitative data about the proportion of elements in the sample, quantitative data can be obtained by the related techniques of flame photometry or flame emission spectroscopy. Flame atomic absorption spectroscopy Instruments, made by e.g. PerkinElmer or Shimadzu, can be operated in emission mode according to the instrument manuals. Common elements Some common elements and their corresponding colors are: Gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and a number of other elements do not produce a characteristic flame color, although some may produce sparks (as do metallic titanium and iron); salts of beryllium and gold reportedly deposit pure metal on cooling. See also Bead test Spark testing Colored fire Emission spectrum Photoelectric flame photometer Qualitative inorganic analysis Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy References External links Flame Test - Coloring Fire - Pictures of Several Flame Tests, Includes Instructions WebMineral.com - Flame Coloration by Element Chemical tests Chemistry classroom experiments Fire