<P> Thermites have diverse compositions . Fuels include aluminium, magnesium, titanium, zinc, silicon, and boron . Aluminium is common because of its high boiling point and low cost . Oxidizers include bismuth (III) oxide, boron (III) oxide, silicon (IV) oxide, chromium (III) oxide, manganese (IV) oxide, iron (III) oxide, iron (II, III) oxide, copper (II) oxide, and lead (II, IV) oxide . </P> <P> The reaction, also called the Goldschmidt process, is used for thermite welding, often used to join rail tracks . Thermites have also been used in metal refining, demolition munitions, and in incendiary weapons . Some thermite - like mixtures are used as pyrotechnic initiators in fireworks . </P> <P> In the following example, elemental aluminium reduces the oxide of another metal, in this common example iron oxide, because aluminium forms stronger and more stable bonds with oxygen than iron: </P> <Dl> <Dd> Fe O + 2 Al → 2 Fe + Al O </Dd> </Dl>

Which would be an adaptation in a very cold place