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Thursday, February 25, 2016

Throwback Thursday - Magic Rocks

Do you remember Magic Rocks?   These were sold at dime stores and in the back of comic books.  I remember buying a set at a Stuckey's on vacation to Florida one year.  The toy I remember looks like the picture above.  Here is a picture of an earlier Magic Rocks set:

How they work: you get liquid sodium silicate and colorful rocks (actually metallic salts).  You put the rocks in a pretty glass container, and then the sodium silicate (mixed with water), and the rocks grow.  I googled and this simple science toy is still around!

 I always liked these ... they reminded me a bit of stalagmites (I liked caves, too!) and also a bit of those color drip candles at Italian restaurants back in the day.

 Here's a little minute and a half time lapse video:

Who remembers this science toy?  I'd love to hear from you in the comments, below.
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5 comments:

  1. It’s Simply LindsayFebruary 25, 2016 at 11:18 AM

    I love when you do these throwback posts - they make me so happy!!! We used to have a toy store by my house growing up with all sorts of science-related DIY type of projects and toys, so I definitely remember these. What a fun blast from the past.

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  2. Shann EvaFebruary 25, 2016 at 2:40 PM

    I totally remember these! That's so cool they are still around. My son would love them.

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  3. itsautumnFebruary 25, 2016 at 10:07 PM

    Wow, I've never heard of these but they looked like they were a ton of fun!

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  4. PelleriniFebruary 28, 2016 at 7:05 PM

    I remember that! We never had one growing up but I think I want one now!

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  5. Birdhouse BooksMarch 8, 2016 at 1:24 PM

    Thanks for the visits! I enjoyed reading your retro memories.

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