posted to Geek » on 22 Feb 2016 at 9:12 AM (27 weeks ago)   |  View Voting Results: Smartest and FunniestThe concept behind the lava lamp is fairly simple: Take two materials that don’t mix, and put them together. In this case, it’s basically wax and water. When the wax is heated by the lightbulb in the bottom of the lamp, it goes from being denser than the water — thus sinking to the bottom — to becoming the lighter of the two materials, thereby starting to float. When the wax reaches the top of the lamp (the point furthest from the heat source), it cools — and so becomes heavier again and sinks. The whole heating and cooling then repeats over and over, in all its ’60-style glory. As we mentioned, there are two components in the lava lamp: a wax compound and a liquid compound. The wax — the “lava” — is said to be a blend of paraffin and perchloroethylene (PERC, aka dry cleaning fluid or brake part cleaner). The liquid part is a mixture of distilled water, pure salt, antifreeze (ethylene glycol) and a coloring agent.

The two different blends are then are sealed inside a heat-resistant glass container, which is then placed upon the heat/light source (usually a 40-watt light bulb). The exact ratios of all the components in both the water and wax elements need to be carefully calibrated to align their specific gravities to make the lava lamp work as expected (and to not have the wax break up into little blobs or just hang in place). have done a pretty good job of figuring it out. In fact, if you have the patience, the materials and the equipment, they will even tell you exactly how you can create your own lava lamp. The lava lamp — under the name Lava Lite — was introduced to the US in 1965. While the initial marketing didn’t play up the groovy angle, it wasn’t long before the light with the colorful, undulating glow caught on with the younger generation. By 1967, the Lava Lite was being promoted with hyperbolic copy that included lines like “like wild – way out!” and “Eerie, ghostly color plus scintillating, sinuous motion… ever-changing – ever-different – never predictable.”

As you can probably tell from the ingredients, the components of a lava lamp — whether self-made or bought — are quite toxic. So we’ll come right out and say it: Do not drink the contents of your lava lamp. If you want to try making a non-toxic variant of a lava lamp using materials you probably have at home, get an easy homemade lava lamp how-to here. And if you’re looking to go the really simple route, you can just download the any one of several lava lamp apps for your smartphone.Jacuzzi Hot Tub J-470 Price I saw this story on the news last night: lava lamp explodes and kills man. Maltipoo Puppies For Sale In North FloridaIt's definitely a candidate for the Darwin Awards, but it also sounds a bit like an urban legend (Big Gary wrote asking 'Can a lava lamp really kill someone? T Zed Homes For Sale

Have I been foolish to turn my back on my lava lamp?') It's been pretty widely reported, so I have to assume the story is true. And I could also imagine that if you heat a lava lamp on top of a stove, it could explode, and if you're really unlucky a shard of glass from that explosion could puncture your heart. The question in my mind is why this guy was heating it on the stove. I bet he thought he could speed up the lava bubbles by cranking up the heat a bit. Product Dimensions26.7 x 26.7 x 73.7 cm #5,404 in Tools & Home Improvement (See top 100) in Tools & Home Improvement > Lamps & Light Fixtures Lava Lite 2124 Classic 14.5-Inch 20-Ounce Silver Lava Lamp, Yellow Wax/Blue Liquid Lava Lite 5225 16.3-Inch Silver Base Lava Lamp, Yellow/Purple Lava Lite 2158 14.5-Inch Metallic Lava Lamp with Metallic Base, Yellow Wax/Purple Liquid/Purple Lava Lite 2116-4002 Classic 14-1/2-Inch 20-Ounce Silver-Based Lava Lamp, Black Wax/Clear Liquid Lava brand lamps are the original.

For 40 years, lava has captivated generations with their trademarked shape and timeless styles. The Registered lava brand. They are the perfect addition to any bedroom, living room, or party space. Simply turn on this lamp and set the mood. If customers are having difficulty with their lava lamp, they can always call our toll free customer service line 800 336-5282 between the hours of 8-5 CST. One of the most beloved and recognizable icons from the 1960s and 1970s. Lava Lite resurrects the groovy gizmo, bringing it back to the forefront of trendy home decor. The iconic lamp's shape stays true to the original's geometric design, while it bubbles its hypnotizing splendor behind the glass for a whole new generation. A brushed-steel base anchors the unit with a sturdy foundation, while a matching tip infuses it with a cool sense of symmetry and completion. Powered with a standard electrical cord and lit with a 100-watt incandescent bulb, the lamp's psychedelic — yet strikingly soothing — glow gently illuminates any study, den, office, or bedroom.

A funky, radical gift for a retro-loving family member or friend, pair it with a disco ball and some hip records to drum up a downright dynamite party. The lamp is backed by a 90-day limited warranty. Lava Lamps come in multiple sizes, from our classic 14.5-inch models, our mini 11.5-inch Accent line, to our 250-ounce Grande line measuring over two feet tall! History of Lava Lite The first motion lamp was designed in 1963 by an English accountant, Edward Craven Walker, who marketed it under the name Astro Lamp. In 1965, two American entrepreneurs saw the Astro lamp displayed at a trade show in Brussels, bought the rights to market the lamp worldwide and formed the Lava Corporation in Chicago. The Astro Lamp was renamed the Lava Lamp and an American icon was born. See all 14 customer reviews (newest first) on Amazon.ca Nice and large, very pleased with look and scale of it. God knows why people don't have lava lamps anymore, it's so freaking sweet Bigger is better .