How to Make Lava Lamp Liquid

Lava lamps can keep you occupied for hours watching the blobs drift together and back apart again. Making your own lava lamp can achieve the same results as the actual ones, however, they are made with slightly different and safe household items. When making a lava lamp, it is important to only use household items instead of chemicals unless you are well versed in the chemistry mixture of chemicals as that type can be dangerous.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tall glass container with a sealed cover or lid
• Mineral oil -- amount to be determined
• 90% rubbing alcohol -- amount to be determined
• 70% rubbing alcohol -- amount to be determined
• Distilled water -- amount to be determined

Instructions

1. The measurements will have to be determined by the size of the glass container you use. The lava will also have to be played with until the correct density is achieved. You may even end up trying a couple of times before you get the lava correct.

2. 
    
   Mineral oil

   Pour the mineral oil into the container until it is almost full. This will be what the lava floats in.

3. 
    
   Rubbing alcohol

   Slowly our the 90 percent alcohol into the mineral oil . Now, slowly add the 70 percent alcohol. These two alcohols will merge and you should start to see a blob, or "lava," form.

4. Add small amounts of distilled water, if needed, to make the lava lift up.

5. Remember, go very slowly and add small amounts at a time. Do not shake, mix, pour too fast because any of these things will cause the mineral oil to become cloudy and you will end up with only droplets of lava.

6. Set the lava liquid container over a base with a light source to heat up. Make sure your base is well-ventilated.

Tips & Warnings

• Add dye to the alcohol to make colors.
• Do not leave the lamp unattended. Unplug when not in use. Do not use chemicals.

Resources

• More Lamp Ideas and Supplies