I currently own 5 different Lava Lamps that I've picked up over the last several years, but never really researched the different types/vintage ones until recently. I never realized the difference in quality between different types before. I guess this is now starting out to be a new hobby for me!

My goal is to someday be able to purchase a Mathmos Astro Lamp or Jet Lamp with white lava/clear liquid. They are handmade in the UK by the original manufacturer of the lava lamp, and very expensive, so it is just a dream at this time. In the meantime, I'm looking out for interesting lavas lamps I come across.

I've never owned a lava lamp, though I've always thought they were cool. I remember about ten or fifteen years ago when there was a nostalgia kick for them (or maybe it was even longer ago than that?) and they suddenly became easy to find again. Places like Spencer Gifts would stock them--and I believe they still do. It would be really cool to have an original one from the 70s, but I wonder if they'd still work after all these years? Did the stuff inside have a certain shelf life or anything?

I'd just like to know what that gloopy stuff inside is.

The vintage lava lamps sell for top dollar beacuse they are much better quality than the ones made today. (Except for the Mathmos, which are handmade) The lava lamps that you find at Spencer's and Walmart, etc. are mass produced and usually have "colored" liquid because they do not have clarity, and the lava doesn't flow as well (sticks to the sides of the glass, etc.).

As usual, I guess you get what you pay for. With this in mind, if I ever do get around to buying a lava lamp I'll definitely invest a little bit more for the real thing.

i've got one. i dig them