Magic rocks
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Magic Rocks, also sometimes referred to or marketed as Crystal Gardens or Chemical Gardens, are a novelty item for creating rock-like formations. A typical package of Magic Rocks contains an envelope of liquid sodium silicate and a small handful of colored "rocks" that are actually chunks of water soluble metallic salts. Some kits come with figurines to give the crystal garden a more exotic look. The "rocks" are placed into the liquid sodium silicate solution, and within several hours colorful crystal towers form. They were invented by two brothers named James and Arthur Ingoldbsy, in the Los Angeles area in 1940. Currently, Magic Rocks are being manufactured in Sheridan, WY by James' son, Rick Ingoldsby.
Magic rocks are typically inexpensive and can be found in the toy department of many stores, as well as craft/hobby stores, and the internet. The following list details the various salt metals (could be hydrated) usede for the different colored crystals:
- white, calcium chloride (mineral, salt, dryer, laundry enhancer)
- white, lead(II) nitrate (lead dye/paint stock, oxidizer, rodenticide)
- red, cobalt(II) chloride (dampness marker, complex)
- orange, iron(III) chloride (dross)
- yellow, iron(III) chloride
- green, nickel(II) nitrate (nickel stock)
- shore, copper(II) sulfate (mineral, copper stock, oxidizer, algicide, fungicide, pesticide)
- purple, manganese(II) chloride
- magenta, manganese(II) chloride, (complex)
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