Ferrofluid in a hanging vial or wearable pendant — MAGMA
Tax included
In the box
- 1 glass ferrofluid bottle
- 1 cord with magnetic bead
All you need to know
Ferrofluid Scientific object MAGMA is a ferrofluid in a vial to keep close at hand: a small round glass vial containing a black magnetic liquid suspended in a transparent liquid. Bring the magnetic bead attached to the end of its cord close: the ferrofluid instantly rises into spiky peaks, follows the magnet against the wall, stretches, and reforms with every movement. Compact (4.7 × 4.2 cm for the vial), topped with a clear cap and an 18 cm beige cord, it can sit on a desk, hang from a bag or shelf, or even be worn as a pendant by attaching it to a chain or longer cord. It is first and foremost a hands-on scientific object that makes the action of a magnetic field visible in a few seconds, and a pocket curiosity that catches everyone's eye. A lovely gateway to the Lab for curious minds of all ages, under adult supervision for younger children.
Ferrofluid, a liquid that obeys the magnet
A ferrofluid is a liquid loaded with magnetic nanoparticles, iron oxide grains so fine that they remain suspended without ever settling. Developed in the 1960s to control fuels in zero gravity, it is now used in certain speakers and seals.
Without a magnet, it behaves like a simple drop of ink. As soon as a magnetic field approaches, the particles align with its lines of force: the surface of the liquid then bristles with regular spikes, a phenomenon that physicists call the Rosensweig instability.
Why you will love it
The MAGMA spirit
A fragment of living matter at the end of a cord
The magma is that molten rock that bubbles beneath our feet, black and moving, always ready to change shape. MAGMA's ferrofluid has that look: a dark and dense drop that comes alive as soon as you approach it.
You place it on the desk, pick it up, bring the magnetic bead close, and the liquid bristles into a small crown of spikes. You move the magnet away, and it relaxes. You turn around the vial, and it follows. The gesture quickly becomes a reflex, and everyone who passes by wants to try.
An object of curiosity, a small portable laboratory, or a unique pendant, MAGMA makes an invisible force tangible: that of the magnet.
Make the ferrofluid react in 4 steps
MAGMA or MAGNETA?
| Criterion | MAGMA | MAGNETA |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Round pocket vial, 4.7 × 4.2 cm | Desk bottle |
| Magnet | Magnetic bead at the end of the cord | 2 magnets included |
| Use | To sit, hang, or wear as a pendant | To sit on the desk |
| Ferrofluid color | Black | Several liquid colors |
| Container | Glass | Glass |
Good to know: the ferrofluid is enclosed in a vial sealed with its cap; it is not intended to be opened. Over time, a slight deposit may appear on the wall: a few movements of the magnet usually peel it off. For a larger version, to sit on the desk and offered in several colors, discover the MAGNETA bottled ferrofluid.
Tip: the spectacle is more striking on a light background and under side lighting, which highlights every spike of the ferrofluid. For a demonstration in class or with the family, bring the magnet close then move it away slowly: you can see the shape follow the magnetic field exactly.
Technical specifications
| Type | Ferrofluid in a vial, to sit or hang |
| Vial contents | Black ferrofluid in a transparent liquid |
| Vial | Transparent glass, flattened round shape |
| Vial height | 47 mm |
| Vial width | 42 mm |
| Cap | 25 mm, light color |
| Cord | Beige, 180 mm |
| Magnet | Magnetic bead at the end of the cord |
| Use | Desk object, hanging, pendant |
| Battery / electronics | None |
| Contents | 1 vial of ferrofluid with magnetic cord |
Warning, magnet: this product contains a magnet. Keep it away from pacemakers and implanted defibrillators: people equipped with them must not wear it as a pendant or keep it in a chest pocket. Keep it away from bank cards and magnetic media. The vial is made of glass: do not drop it and do not open it, the liquid stains permanently textiles and porous surfaces. Small parts and magnet: keep out of reach of young children (risk of ingestion); use by a child under adult supervision.
A scientific curiosity to give
MAGMA is an original scientific gift for a birthday or Christmas: for a physics enthusiast, a student, a teacher, a lover of unusual objects, or a colleague who likes clever desk gadgets. Small and compact, it easily slips into a Christmas stocking or accompanies a more important gift.
To go further in the exploration of magnetism and matter, pair it with the MAGNETA bottled ferrofluid or another object from the Minerals & Chemistry collection.
To pair with
Frequently asked questions
What is ferrofluid?
A ferrofluid is a liquid containing magnetic nanoparticles of iron oxide, fine enough to remain permanently suspended. Without a magnet, it looks like a drop of black ink. In the presence of a magnetic field, the particles align and the liquid takes spectacular shapes: spikes, ridges, waves. Invented in the 1960s, it is now used in certain speakers and industrial seals, and makes a fascinating demonstration object. In MAGMA, it is enclosed in a glass vial to be observed with ease.
How to make it react?
Simply bring the magnetic bead attached to the end of the cord close to the wall of the vial. The ferrofluid is immediately attracted and bristles into small spikes. Move the magnet slowly around the vial: the liquid follows it, stretches, and reforms. Move the magnet away, and it relaxes. You can also use another magnet, for example a refrigerator magnet, to observe how the shape changes according to the strength and position of the field. The closer the magnet, the more pronounced the spikes.
Can it be worn as a necklace?
Yes, MAGMA can be worn as a pendant by attaching it to a chain or a longer cord: its original 18 cm cord is mainly used to hang it from a bag, handle, or shelf. We present it first as a scientific object to sit or handle. Important: people equipped with a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator must not wear it close to the chest due to the magnet. For others, it becomes a curiosity pendant, original and unique.
Can the vial leak or open?
The ferrofluid is enclosed in a glass vial sealed with its cap. It is not intended to be opened: do not remove the cap, as the liquid permanently stains textiles and porous surfaces. Like any glass object, MAGMA is sensitive to impacts and falls on hard floors. Store it at room temperature, away from frost and direct heat, to preserve the liquid. If a deposit appears on the wall, a few movements of the magnet usually peel it off. Handle it above a table rather than above a tiled floor.
Is it compatible with a pacemaker?
Like any object containing a magnet, MAGMA must be kept away from pacemakers and implanted defibrillators. People equipped with them must not wear it as a pendant or store it in a chest pocket, and must respect the distances indicated by the manufacturer of their device or by their doctor. Also keep the magnet away from bank cards, badges, and magnetic media. If in doubt, ask your doctor for advice before giving it or using it. Finally, keep the vial and its magnetic bead out of reach of young children due to the risk of magnet ingestion.
What is the difference with MAGNETA ferrofluid?
Both objects use the same phenomenon: a ferrofluid that reacts to the magnet in a glass container. MAGNETA is a desk bottle delivered with two magnets and offered in several liquid colors, ideal for a stationary demonstration. MAGMA is a pocket vial, black ferrofluid, with its magnetic bead attached to the cord: it sits, hangs, or is worn, and follows you everywhere. The two complement each other well: one stays at the desk, the other accompanies you. Together, they form a lovely duo for exploring magnetism.
Is it a good gift idea?
Yes, it is a scientific gift that intrigues at first glance and can be handled without instructions. It appeals to science enthusiasts, students, teachers, and lovers of unusual objects, for a birthday or Christmas. For younger children, it is used under adult supervision, with the magnet and vial remaining out of reach of young children. Pair it with MAGNETA for a duo around magnetism. Its small format allows it to slip into a Christmas stocking or accompany a more important gift.
