The Lava Lamp & Glitter Tube create dazzling optical effects by reflecting light from glitter and bubbling water. In the Glitter Tube, the glitter is suspended in a thick liquid called glycerine. Each piece of glitter is a tiny mirror that reflects light, and with lots of tiny mirrors, the light is scattered in all directions to create a sparkling effect. In the Lava Lamp, a fizzy chemical reaction between an acid and a base produces bubbles of carbon dioxide gas, creating a spectacular effect that looks just like an underwater volcano.