Magic Rocks Time Lapse Photography

This time lapse photography shows the growth of Magic Rocks, which are metal salts that resemble small rocks that grow into dainty towers when placed in a sodium silicate solution. A photo was taken once a minute for 12 hours. Warmer water produces quick-growing thin shapes, but may also result in bubbles forming on the container. Cooler solution produces thicker, slow growing forms. Magic Rocks are readily available in stores, but you can make your own. Visit me at chemistry.about.com to learn how!

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• time lapse
• magic rocks
• crystals
• photography
• chemistry
• science projects

[cheetahprint100]

why cant you put fish in it?

[futsang]

@cheetahprint100 The sodium silicate solution is toxic. After the crystals grow, you can replace it with water, but heavy metals will leach into the water from the rocks and kill your fish.

[HightimeCinema]

can u put fish in it?

[futsang]

@HightimeCinema Not if you want the fish to be alive.

[sonicboom774]

are you telling me a fly was in their buzzing and floating around for12 hours!

[futsang]

@sonicboom774 It died pretty early on. The photography lights generate a lot of heat, producing convection in the liquid.

[KnG1Dakota]

i wish you could put fish in

[Color396]

This reminds me of that Pokemon movie with Entei and the Unown xD

[futsang]

@TheMburak If you remove the liquid, the crystals will remain, but their appearance eventually will change because of reactions with air.

[futsang]

@bloodscales I got these from Amazon. You can find them online or in some toy stores.