The magic rock kit is a fun and educational toy that is designed to spark imagination and creativity in children. It is a kit that includes various types of rocks and minerals, along with tools and accessories to help children explore and learn about geology. The kit usually comes with a guidebook that provides information about each type of rock or mineral in the kit. This allows children to learn about the different types of rocks and minerals, their characteristics, and how they are formed. The magic rock kit also often includes tools such as a magnifying glass, a small hammer, and a chisel. These tools allow children to examine the rocks and minerals up close and even break them open to reveal their hidden patterns and colors.

Backseat Toys: Magic Rocks

Ah the ‘70s…the Decade of Rock! And we’re not just talking about Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and all of those other great artist you listen to on your local classic rock station. Besides the music, there’s the Pet Rock that made Gary Dahl a millionaire when he duped America into buying the smooth stones he collected from Mexico’s Rosarito Beach and sold them as household pets for five dollars a pop (about $21.50 in 2020 money).

And who can forget Pop Rocks – that fireworks-in-your-mouth candy that may or may not have killed Mikey from the Life cereal commercial after he put a whole packet of the stuff in his mouth and washed it all down by chugging a cola, thereby causing his stomach to explode? (Relax. Mikey is very much alive and well today and works as a very successful advertising sales rep.)

Then there were Magic Rocks – a scientific kit that let you grow your own rocks that looked like colorful underwater stalagmites right on your dining room table. In fact, we recently heard from someone who remembers buying his first Magic Rocks at a Virginia Stuckey’s on the way back from Luray Caverns. And though it’s technically not a backseat toy, he remembers sitting in the backseat staring at its box for the three-hour drive back to Delaware, thinking of all the great things he could do with his box of Magic Rocks.

He would dig a hole in the backyard and grow a whole swimming pool-sized garden of magic rocks. Like Luray, he would charge people to walk through his backyard as they grew and grew. Later, he would add Sea Monkeys and make them put on a show like those mermaids he once saw down in Florida. Of course, none of those plans came into fruition. He was 10-years old with a great imagination. But, he says, those Magic Rocks sure looked pretty cool on his dining room table.

A (Very) Brief History of Magic Rocks

Nobody is really sure where and when Magic Rocks got their start. The science that explains them was known over 350 years ago, but they really didn’t come into use as a “toy” until 1940. And even then their history is a little sketchy, so we’re going to present you with the two stories we could find about their invention.

The first story is that they were invented by the Inglesbee brothers (James and Arthur) back in 1940s America.

The second story is that James and Arthur saw a demonstration of the science behind the toy and decided to develop their own version. It came out in 1945 and was called Magic Isle Undersea Garden, though we’re assuming one of the brothers went up to the other one who came up with that name and said something like, “C’mon, man! That’s, like, a lot of words to describe a bunch of magic rocks. Just sayin’, dude.” So, they changed the name shortly thereafter to Magic Rocks.

For the next 60 years they continued to produce their Magic Rocks in Sheridan, Wyoming, selling the company in 2005. They are now made in China where they are called 资本主义幻想玩具洞穴被称为科学魔术. (Just kidding. They’re called 魔术岩 just like they are in America.)

How to Make the Magic Happen

Magic Rocks come with a small packet of multi-colored rocks and a mysterious “Magic Solution”. They are often sold in their own Magic Rocks kit that comes with a plastic aquarium and other accessories like a scuba diver or a shark. So, you take the rocks and scatter them about on the bottom of the aquarium. Then you pour magic solution into the aquarium and wait. And wait. And wait. You brush your teeth. Put on your pajamas. Sleep. Wake up. Eat Breakfast. And you wait some more.

It’s totally worth the wait, however, as 24 hours later you’ve seen you’ve grown these magical colored crystal towers that really do make it look like a Magic Isle Undersea Garden. Once you’re satisfied with how it looks, you carefully pour out your magic solution, replacing it with water. With proper maintenance (i.e., changing the water once in awhile) you’re Magic Rock garden should last pretty much forever.

The Magic Behind the Rocks

Magic Rocks isn’t really magic, but science. However, since nobody we know would ever buy a toy called “Science Rocks” we’ll stick to telling you how the “magic” works.

Magic Rocks are a great example of what happens when soluble metal salt crystals are placed in a magic solution of sodium silicate dissolved in water. (Wait. So the magical solution isn’t penguin tears?)

However, don’t think that you’ve solved the greenhouse effect just yet, Einstein. Even scientists don’t quite understand all of the how’s and why’s of what makes Magic Rocks work.

Nevertheless, they do know that when the dissolved metal salts react with the sodium silicate solution, a sort of metal gel forms around the salt crystal, acting as sort of a permeable membrane because there are more salts than water inside the membrane, water is pulled in to the membrane through a process known as osmosis. This starts to stretch the membrane like a balloon, which, also like a balloon eventually bursts and releases this metal-rich fluid making these colorful mini stalagmites as a result.

It’s not all child’s play though as the process that causes Magic Rocks to work their magic is being studied by scientists to be better able to distinguish biological structures, including fossils, from non-biological structures on the planet Mars.

The Magic of Stuckey’s

Back here on Earth, however, you can still find Magic Rocks at some of our Stuckey’s locations, so look for them the next time you stop in. While you’re there why not also pick up some of our magically delicious and world famous Stuckey’s Pecan Log Rolls? Don’t forget to get a few for the folks back home, too, and watch how fast they disappear!

With Easter just a couple of days away, why not add some of our fine pecan candies and other Stuckey’s favorites to your Easter basket this year? Who wouldn’t want to wake up Easter morning to find that the Easter Bunny left them with a basket full of our world famous pecan log rolls and pecan divinity? Maybe if you’ve been especially good, he’ll leave you with some of our branded Stuckey’s t-shirts, caps and mugs, because Peter Cottontail knows that Stuckey’s merchandise always makes the perfect gift for Easter, birthdays, and well, just about every other day of the year, too!

And if you can’t come to Stuckey’s, then let Stuckey’s come to you. Visit us at stuckeys.com for more information on how you can have Stuckey’s delivered right to your front door and enjoy all of that pecan-y goodness in the comfort of your own home!

Stuckey’s – We’re Making Road Trips Fun Again!

Whether your next road trip is by car or by rail, it’s not really a road trip without taking Stuckey’s along. From our world famous Stuckey’s Pecan Log Rolls to our mouthwatering Hunkey Dorey, Stuckey’s has all the road trips snacks you’ll need to get you where you’re going.

For all of the pecany good treats and cool merch you’ll need for your next big road adventure, browse our online store now!

Stuckey’s – We’re Making Road Trips Fun Again!

Magic Rocks - Crystal Growing Science Kit

Place colored stones into a solution and watch them grow into beautiful, colorful crystal formations. Use the enclosed nautical stickers to decorate your container (not included).

Rocks grow to different heights up to 4 inches.

Warning:
CHOKING HAZARD
Small parts. Not for children under 3 yrs.
CHEMICAL HAZARD
Contains chemicals which may be harmful if misused. Read cautions on individual containers carefully. Not to be used by children except under ADULT SUPERVISION.

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Make Your Own Magic Rocks

Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.

Magic Rocks, sometimes called Chemical Garden or Crystal Garden, are a product that includes a small packet of multicolored rocks and some "magic solution." You scatter the rocks at the bottom of a glass container, add the magic solution, and the rocks grow into magical-looking chemical towers within a day. It's crystal-growing at its finest for people who prefer not to wait days/weeks for results. After the chemical garden has grown, the magic solution is (carefully) poured off and replaced with water. At this point, the garden can be maintained as a decoration almost indefinitely. Magic rocks tend to be recommended for ages 10+ because the rocks and solution are not edible! However, younger children will also enjoy growing magic rocks, providing they have close adult supervision.

These tools allow children to examine the rocks and minerals up close and even break them open to reveal their hidden patterns and colors. In addition to the rocks and minerals, the kit may include accessories such as a display case or a pouch to store the rocks. This adds to the excitement and sense of ownership for children as they can proudly display their findings or carry them around.

How Magic Rocks Work

The Magic Rocks are chunks of metal salts that have been stabilized by being dispersed in aluminum hydroxide or alum. The magic solution is a solution of sodium silicate (Na₂SiO₃) in water. The metal salts react with the sodium silicate to form the characteristic colored precipitant (chemical towers about 4" high).

Playing with the magic rock kit not only provides children with an opportunity to learn about geology, but it also helps with developing their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Breaking open rocks with a small hammer and chisel requires precision and control, which can be beneficial for their overall physical development. Furthermore, the magic rock kit encourages children to get outside and explore their surroundings. They can go on rock hunting adventures, searching for interesting rocks and minerals in their backyard, park, or nearby natural areas. This not only promotes a sense of curiosity and wonder but also helps cultivate a love for nature and the environment. Overall, the magic rock kit is a great educational toy that combines fun and learning. It provides children with an opportunity to explore the world of geology, discover the beauty and diversity of rocks and minerals, and develop important skills along the way. It is a toy that can inspire a lifelong interest in science and the natural world..

Reviews for "The Science Behind Magic Rocks: Exploring the Chemistry of Crystals"

1. John - 2/5 - I purchased the Magic Rock Kit hoping for an exciting and educational experience with my kids, but unfortunately, I was sorely disappointed. The rocks provided were dull and unimpressive, and the instructions were confusing and poorly written. We followed the steps carefully, but nothing magical happened. It felt like a waste of time and money. I would not recommend this kit to anyone looking for a fun and engaging science activity.

2. Sarah - 1/5 - The Magic Rock Kit was a complete letdown. The rocks were tiny and uninteresting, and the supposed "magic" aspect was completely nonexistent. The kit promised to transform ordinary rocks into something extraordinary, but all we ended up with were a few painted rocks that looked nothing like what was advertised. It was a huge disappointment for my kids, and we ended up having to find another activity to salvage our weekend. Save your money and skip this kit.

3. Michael - 2/5 - I had high hopes for the Magic Rock Kit, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The rocks provided were of subpar quality and lacked the vibrant colors shown in the promotional photos. The instructions were also poorly explained, making it difficult to understand the processes and achieve the desired results. I was left feeling frustrated and underwhelmed by this kit. I would suggest exploring other options for rock-related activities rather than wasting your time and money on this disappointing product.

4. Emily - 1/5 - The Magic Rock Kit was a total dud. The rocks included in the kit were unimpressive and lacked any kind of "magic" quality. I followed the instructions carefully, but the process was tedious and time-consuming, and the end result was far from what was advertised. It felt more like a chore than a fun activity. I do not recommend this kit to anyone looking for an exciting and enjoyable experience. Save yourself the disappointment and look for something else.

Gaze into the Mystical World of Magic Rocks: A Journey of Discovery