What Is Inside A Glitter Lava Lamp? How Do They Work?

It might seem like an easy question to answer, but the reality is that there are many different types of glitter lava lamps. So what exactly goes into these glittery concoctions? Let’s take a look at how they work and more of their history!

Contents

They’re often made with a glass housing much like regular lava lamps (some cheaper clones may use plastic instead, however). The glittery insides of a glitter lava lamp contain mineral oil, water, and glitter. The glitter is free-floating in the liquid, creating the bubbling effect that we all love from these intriguing lamps!

Some types will also contain water above the glitter for bubbling effects.

Some models have a variety of glitter bits inside to give a uniquely styled look and a twist on the light reflected onto surroundings.

Glitter lava lamps work through the science of density. All glitter is not created equal – some glitter will float and some will sink due to their weight. As it heats up, the glitter in a glitter lava lamp rises and falls as it gets hotter and colder (due to changes in density).

The motion creates a really cool, calming effect. Another neat characteristic is how the bulb’s light reflects off of the sparkly pieces, shining light all around you in the room. It’s really something to see.

There are many different types of glitter lava lamps out there! The most popular type features an oil-based liquid inside, with water above it for bubbling effects. Other variations include waxes such as beeswax or paraffin wax instead of mineral oil; these don’t produce quite the same effect because they get harder when cool rather than hot like oil does. There’s even glitter lava lamps that contain glitter and water without oil – these don’t bubble but produce a glittery effect.

Vortex glitter lamps work using an electric motor to create a tiny vortex in the liquid similar to a tornado instead of heat.

The history of glitter lava lamps is quite interesting! They were first invented by Edward Craven-Walker in 1963, who was trying to create an ant farm for insects (he later got into the chocolate fountain industry). He developed a new type of insect habitat which he called ‘Lava Lite,’ consisting of a light bulb under a container filled with heated wax. The heat from the lightbulb melted the wax, releasing coloured bubbles as it cooled down. Craven-Walker then experimented with different types of fluids and glitter before coming up with what we now know as glitter lava lamp today!

Yes, traditional litter lava lamps get hot. The glitter and the liquid inside both heat up to create a bubbling effect. If you touch glitter lava lamp, it will be warm but not too hot. Many original-type models use a 25 watt incandescent bulb like a regular lava lamp while others use an electric motor to “stir” the water and glitter.

Those types have a cool smaller bulb or LEDs instead. Those are cool to the touch.

Glitter lava lamps may stop working for a few different reasons. If the glitter is not floating, it’s likely that there isn’t enough liquid in the base or perhaps some oil has leaked out and needs to be replaced. Glitter also settles over time so you might need to give your glitter lamp a good shake before using!

When glitter lava lamps have issues with getting hot, they require an electric heating element which will eventually burn out like any other appliance would (for example if it doesn’t heat up). Some models use 25 watt incandescent bulbs as their heat source – these can burn out after long periods of usage too! Replacement parts are usually easy to find online but new models tend to release less frequently than regular non-glitter lava lamps.

The length of time you can leave glitter lava lamps on for depends entirely on the model. Some models have a 25 watt incandescent bulb, while others use an electric motor to “stir” the water and glitter (this takes less energy).

Glitter lava lamps need some time to warm up before they start bubbling. The glitter needs time to float in the water and then rise, so generally you should wait around twenty minutes for them to get going.

Glitter lava lamp prices depend largely on their size; larger glittery styles will be more expensive than smaller ones due to material costs and labor. Smaller lamps usually range from $20-$50, with some costing around $100 or even over $200 if they’re very large in size.

Larger glitter-filled glass balls start at about $60, depending on the type of oil used inside them. They get more expensive as they get bigger.