Here instead of the Lounge only because DUers are the font of

[rzemanfl]

all knowledge. One of our grandkids is here visiting. I suddenly remembered something from the 1950's that I believe was called "Moon Rocks" or a "Moon Garden" or something like that. They were little pebble-like things in various bright colors, you put them in a jar with some water and another chemical that came with them and they grew into all sorts of strange shapes. As I remember, they grew very slowly for several days and were great entertainment for kids. I am sure the older folks here remember them. I got some for my own kids in the '70s but haven't seen them for sale since then. What were they called? Are they still made? As usual I have this need for knowledge in the evening when I must get up early and have a busy day ahead, but rest assured I'll thank you later.

[onenote]

1. I remember "magic rocks" see link

http://cgi.ebay.com/Original-Magic-Rocks-Instant-Crystals-Atlantis-NIB-New_W0QQitemZ130189933419QQihZ003QQcategoryZ11737QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQtrksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

[JohnnyLib2]

5. you beat me!

:hi:

[rzemanfl]

15. If I'd known how fast the answers would come I could have

had our grandson stay up a few minutes longer, he is sleeping in the room the computer is in.

[rzemanfl]

9. Six minutes! DU is awesome! Thanks!

[Adsos Letter]

2. MOON ROCKS!!!

I remember them well...they were in the back of the Sgt. Rock comic books, right next to the Sea Monkeys...

:D

[zabet]

3. You can make ones they can eat...

http://chemistry.about.com/od/growingcrystals/ht/blsugarcrystal.htm

How To Grow Sugar Crystals - Make Your Own Rock Candy

It's easy to grow your own sugar crystals! Sugar crystals are also known as rock candy since the crystallized sucrose (table sugar) resembles rock crystals and because you can eat your finished product. You can grow beautiful clear sugar crystals with sugar and water or you can add food coloring to get colored crystals. It's simple, safe, and fun. Boiling water is required to dissolve the sugar, so adult supervision is recommended for this project.


:hi:

[rzemanfl]

10. Thanks. I used to love rock candy when I had all my own teeth. nt

[JohnnyLib2]

4. Magic Rocks!

Check this
http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/magicrocks.htm

Boy, am I dating myself.

[rzemanfl]

11. Yeah, well you didn't forget the name, like I did.... Thanks! n/t

[NMDemDist2]

6. like these?

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/601-9872444-0119317?asin=B0009I6SSQ&AFID=Shopzilla&LNM=B0009I6SSQ|Shure_Grow_Your_Own_Science_Crystals_Kit&ref=tgt_adv_XSB10001

[rzemanfl]

12. A little different, but these would make a cool gift, thanks! n/t

[uppityperson]

7. They are still made, though in shapes cut out of thick paper/thin cardboard

I have seen trees and other shapes. Try a Naturium type store (where last I saw them) or even a nickle/dime store (showing my age here).

[rzemanfl]

13. I haven't seen a five and ten cent store in a loooong time.

Thanks.

[TheMadMonk]

8. Yoo can still buy them as kits from toy stores.

But for some home made fun try this.

• Boil a couple of cups of water. Keep on the boil for a minute or two to completely degas the water.
  
• Stand to cool for a little bit. Not too much. Just enough that it isn't going to shatter a glass when you pour it in.
  
• Warm a very clean glass with hot tap water.
  
• Don't quite fill the glass with the boiled water.
  
• Now add white sugar while stirring. Lots and lots of sugar. Keep adding sugar and stirring until the last few grains take a couple of seconds to disolve. It is critical that every last grain is completely dissolved, so if necessary add a little boiling water.
  
• Put your concoction in the freezer until the glass is chill to touch.
  
• You now have a supersaturated sugar solution.
  
• Very carefully transfer the solution to a folded tea towel on the bench. You do not want to jar it in any way.
  
• Now with the kids watching closely have one of them drop a single grain of sugar into the solution.
  
• Instant "WOW!" as the entire glass fills with a filigree of sugar crystals.
  
• Grandma now needs to find a use for sugar syrup.
  

For Grandpa.

• Pour some fruit wine or cider into flat pans.
  
• Stand pans in freezer until well below freezing.
  
• Drop in an ice chip.
  
• Pick out ice.
  
• What remains will aid recovery from the grand-children's visit.

[rzemanfl]

14. Thanks!. n/t