Lava Lamp

Although the exact history of the lava lamp remains a little sketchy, most believe that in the 1950s, a man named Edward Craven Walker was trying to develop an egg timer in England. However, another legend is that he actually saw a liquid motion lamp while in a bar. Regardless, Walker took whatever idea it was and began working on a new creation – the lava lamp.

Originally, the lava lamp was called an Astro Light, which was created in the mid-50s. However, the actual “lava lamp” did not make its public appearance until 1965. Although this type of lamp was relatively successful in the United Kingdom, its popularity and the number of sales skyrocketed when it was launched in the United States. During that era of hippies, psychedelic lights, and unusual things, the lava lamp fit right in.

In 1965, the Lava Manufacturing Corporation was founded by two Chicago men who had found the Astro Light patent. Acquiring the patent, these men began producing the newer version of the lamp. Today, this same company is called Lava World International, which continues making the famous lava lamp, along with a commercial version known as the Lava Lite.

By the late 1970s and early 1980s, the number of Lava Lamps was astounding.  However, the two Chicago men sold the Astro Light rights to another a woman named Cressida Granger who owned a company called Mathmos. For lava lamp creation outside the United States, this company is the top producer. The Mathmos Company took the lava lamp to new heights with the creation of various sizes, shapes, and designs.

The true concoction used to make the floating blob found in the lava lamp is a top secret but many people have tried to replicate its success. One component was to use mineral oil for the blobs and then between 70% and 90% rubbing alcohol as the liquid in which the blob floated. While this combination works, the tricky part is getting the combination to exact balance needed.

Although most people relate the lava lamp to the 1970s, their intrigue has never really died. Because of that, you will still find teenagers eager to get a lamp for Christmas, a family room with a lamp, or someone who love contemporary or retro styles using the lamp as a bedside table. Regardless, we will always love the lava lamp and chances are its popularity will continue.