Other Sellers on Amazon
100% positive over last 12 months
- 8 VIDEOS
Image Unavailable
Color:
-
-
-
- To view this video download Flash Player
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Kit – Hobby Edition Includes Rough Gemstones, and 4 Polishing Grits, Great STEM Science Kit for Geology Enthusiasts, Rock Polisher for Kids and Adults
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
- CREATE YOUR OWN GEMSTONES - Make any stone sparkle and polish everyday rocks into dazzling gemstones! This rock tumbler kit makes it fun and easy to turn rough rocks into beautifully polished gemstones, thanks to its simple operation and durable design.
- A TUMBLER THAT'S MADE TO LAST – Our high-quality tumblers are made with a durable motor that’s designed to last for years. The leakproof rubber barrel reduces sound, making it 75% quieter than other plastic models. An excellent STEM activity for kids.
- A COMPLETE HOBBY TUMBLING KIT - Everything you need to create polished gemstones: the tumbler, four polishing grits, sifter, nine types of real rough gemstones, plus a detailed full-color learning guide. Makes a great gift for girls and boys!
- EASY TO USE – Simple instructions and one-touch settings make rock tumbling fun and easy. Control the number of days for each tumbling cycle with the one-touch timer and automatic shutoff feature, set it and forget it! This is a great gift for kids.
- HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATIONAL TOYS - We're proud to make the highest quality hands-on science toys, and all our products are backed by exceptional service. If your experience is less than stellar, let us know and we'll make things right!
Frequently bought together
Related Climate Pledge Friendly items
- GobiDex Gemstones Dig Kit, Solar System Science Kit for Kids, Excavate 15 Real Gems, STEM Educational Space Toys Planet Collection Kit, Archaeology Geology Science Projects Gift for Boys&Girls Age 6+FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3Climate Pledge FriendlyProducts with trusted sustainability certification(s). Learn more
PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)
Carbonfree Certified determine the carbon footprint of the product, and associated carbon emissions are offset with reduction projects.
- Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) Kids | Designed for kids, with parental controls | Owl33% offLimited time dealFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3Climate Pledge FriendlyProducts with trusted sustainability certification(s). Learn more
PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)
Reducing CO2 products reduce their carbon footprint year after year. Certified by the Carbon Trust.
- Taco vs Burrito Family Board Games for Kids 6-8, 8-12 & Up - Fun Travel Family Card Games for Kids and Adults, Gifts for 7, 8, 9 and 10 Year Old Boys and Girls36% offLimited time dealFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3Climate Pledge FriendlyProducts with trusted sustainability certification(s). Learn more
PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)
Climate neutral by ClimatePartner certifies the carbon footprint of a product was calculated and all associated emissions were offset.
- Amazon Basics 36-Pack AAA Alkaline High-Performance Batteries, 1.5 Volt, 10-Year Shelf LifeFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3Climate Pledge FriendlyProducts with trusted sustainability certification(s). Learn more
PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)
The Nordic Swan Ecolabel certified products meet requirements on chemical usage, resource consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity.
- Philips Sonicare for Kids 3+ Bluetooth Connected Rechargeable Electric Power Toothbrush, Interactive for Better Brushing, Turquoise, HX6321/02FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3Climate Pledge FriendlyProducts with trusted sustainability certification(s). Learn more
PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)
GreenCircle Certified: Certified Environmental Facts Label verifies product carbon footprint reduction in the raw material or manufacturing stage.
- All-new Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet - ages 6-12 - 2023 | 10.1" HD screen | Slim case, big screen, big battery made for big kids, big fun. 32 GB, Nebula21% offLimited time dealFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3Climate Pledge FriendlyProducts with trusted sustainability certification(s). Learn more
PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)
Recycled Content Certification for Electrical and Electronic Equipment products have at least 10-50% recycled content, based on product type and environmental impact.
Product information
Product Dimensions | 13.81 x 4.88 x 8.06 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 5.51 pounds |
Country of Origin | China |
ASIN | B01LQCIL88 |
Item model number | NGHOBBYTUMBLER |
Manufacturer recommended age | 8 years and up |
Best Sellers Rank | #2,789 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games) #2 in Kids' Rock Tumblers |
Customer Reviews |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Release date | August 7, 2017 |
Department | girls |
Manufacturer | JMW Sales, Inc |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Important information
Safety Information
choking hazard - small parts - not suitable for children under 3 years
From the brand
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Your purchase has purpose!
Every purchase helps support the global nonprofit National Geographic Society in its work to protect and illuminate our world through exploration, research, and education.
Product Description
National Geographic Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit
Includes everything you need to create polished gemstones: the tumbler, four polishing grits, sifter, nine types of real rough gemstones, plus a detailed full-color learning guide. Makes a great gift for girls and boys!
Rock tumbling is a fun way to start a beautiful rock collection!
This Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit from National Geographic includes all the accessories you’ll need to start polishing dazzling gems. Kids can use the included jewelry fastenings to create beautiful homemade jewelry!
This high-quality tumbling machine boasts a powerful motor that will last for years; an automatic shutoff timer; and a noise-reducing, leak-proof barrel with stainless steel lid. Plus, everything is included to get started: a 1/2 pound of assorted stones from around the world, 4 stages of polishing media, and jewelry fastenings to you can create your own unique wearables with your tumbled gems.
Rock tumbling is a fun activity for children of all ages and promotes an interest in geology and science! Join National Geographic as we inspire future generations by showing them the wonders of the natural world.
We make the highest quality hands-on science toys, and all products are backed by exceptional service. With a mission to inspire people to care about the planet, the National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations.
What's in the box
Product guides and documents
Looking for specific info?
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the age range and ease of use of the toy. For example, they mention it's a wonderful learning opportunity for children, and a good hobby for a family. They appreciate the appearance. That said, opinions are mixed on noise, value, performance, and quality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the appearance of the rocks. They say they look amazing, neat, and shiny like glass. Some say that the rocks become more beautiful in the water. Overall, customers are satisfied with the appearance and quality of the product.
"...powder for each cycle, a tumbler and stand, starter rocks, and cool stuff you can put your rocks in like keychains and necklaces...." Read more
"...We bought this for our son as a 7th birthday gift. It's the perfect mid-range rock tumbler! It's sturdy and doesn't seem like it will break...." Read more
"...Addendum: Have now made three 1+ lb runs. Rocks don't shine up very well following included instructions, some completely wore away, so I watched..." Read more
"...The rocks that came with it were beautiful raw. They became more beautiful in the water. It is a good mix of things for her collection...." Read more
Customers find the directions for the rock tumbler very easy to understand. They mention that the unit itself is very simple and sturdy, and it comes with all the items needed to start with. Customers also appreciate the nice little instruction manual that provides information about the history of rock tumbling. They say the controls are simple and easy to use, and the drum does not leak. Additionally, customers mention that it takes time to complete the rock tumbler projects.
"...Pros:Almost no assembly, at all.Extremely easy to understand the directions..." Read more
"...The tumbler itself is super beginner friendly, and you don’t need any previous knowledge to operate one...." Read more
"...It includes a nice little instruction manual with information about the history of rock tumbling and description of the rocks included...." Read more
"...And getting to see the changes. The unit it self is very simple and sturdy. Works well and has been running almost non stop since Christmas...." Read more
Customers find the rock tumbler to be a wonderful learning opportunity for children. They say it's a great tumbler for kids curious about the hobby without having to invest a lot. Customers also say it is cool and fun to use, and a good hobby for a family. They also say the kids love it conceptually. Customers say it teaches kids patience and is a perfect first rock tumble.
"...It's a wonderful learning opportunity for children, as well as an extremely engaging project that although it may take quite some time for it to..." Read more
"It's a good toll for teaching our kids patients and having patients pay off while collecting really amazing rocks. And getting to see the changes...." Read more
"...It is excellent for rock and mineral enthusiasts. It is a great and affordable way to get people learning...." Read more
"...The tumbling is pretty noisy to run for days on end. Perfect for passionate little geologists though." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the toy. Some mention that it works very well, while others say that it stopped working.
"...to say that no one has had issues, but the machine I received functions perfectly and I have had no issues with leaks or ill-fitting pieces, tearing..." Read more
"The timer light no longer worked after 4 weeks (it remained on day 1 and would not change) and the motor would stop every 2 days...." Read more
"...kit comes with starter powder for each cycle, a tumbler and stand, starter rocks, and cool stuff you can put your rocks in like keychains and..." Read more
"...Not only does that not work very well, it is also cheating in my opinion. You should be able to get shiny stones with the supplied materials...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the product. Some mention it's very well made, holds up perfectly, and the rocks are of good quality. However, others say that the quality has diminished and the product is cheaply made. Some say that it didn't last very long and has issues with the tumbler.
"...It's the perfect mid-range rock tumbler! It's sturdy and doesn't seem like it will break. It's been running now for over 2 weeks...." Read more
"...lubricated, with the constant friction I could see how the belt can eventually wear down just like any other belt of this nature whether it's in a..." Read more
"...And getting to see the changes. The unit it self is very simple and sturdy. Works well and has been running almost non stop since Christmas...." Read more
"...Very disappointing." Read more
Customers are mixed about the noise of the toy. Some mention that it's way quieter than expected, while others say that it is kind of loud and the tumbling is pretty noisy.
"...It is a little loud, keep it outside or in your garage or you’ll never sleep, trust me I used to keep it in my bathroom!..." Read more
"...It is definitely quieter than other tumblers. It is not an annoying clunking sound, but a smooth consistent sound...." Read more
"...It's been running now for over 2 weeks. It's definitely not silent, but with its rubber barrel, I suspect it's tougher and quieter than one with a..." Read more
"...I tried to run it in the house 😅 not recommended. It's not loud, but it's incessant and will inevitably wake you up...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the value of the product. Some mention that it's a fun project and worth every dollar, while others say that it is not the cheapest and not worth the money.
"...All in all, it's an excellent piece of equipment to buy if you're interested in rock tumbling but are unsure if you would stick to it or are not..." Read more
"...Just beware that the grit refills can get quite expensive depending on what brand you use." Read more
"...It's a nice, reasonably-priced kit that includes everything you need to start tumbling rocks right away!..." Read more
"...Not worth the money.It worked well and was easy to use and follow..." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the auto shut off feature of the toy. They mention that it stopped within 24 hours, the motor would stop every 2 days, and it was noisy when it ran. Some customers also mention that the machine has to run for days and was fun for the kids.
"...weeks (it remained on day 1 and would not change) and the motor would stop every 2 days. But my grandson LOVES it." Read more
"...After a few minutes of operation, the motor would shut itself off and all the red lights would flash rapidly...." Read more
"...of the days in case you have a power failure, it does not restart where it was interrupted, I have ordered another tumbler which you can control..." Read more
"...Unfortunately, the wheel quit turning after only 10 months. So I reached out to them to see about a warranty...." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Any problems? None!
Results? Incredible, I was truly shocked!
Pros:
Almost no assembly, at all.
Extremely easy to understand the directions
(Tumbling time will vary depending on the rocks. Don't let it scare you away when it says one phase should tumble for 6-8 days (I haven't had to tumble any that long! The longest has been 3 days). That being said, an extremely hard rock that's very jagged may need more time. Using the rocks they include, or your own collection of crystals/gemstones is a great route. A plain piece of gravel or a rock of that type is very hard and dense and may take more time (who wants polished gravel anyway though?)
Extended project to do with children, lots of engagement. Because their are 4 different grit types with different purposes, the children get to return to their project, dump the rocks and check on the progress and start a new phase. It's a great opportunity to teach to teach about erosion, and show / explain what a rock looks like through millions of years of erosion and then further explain how incredible it is that we are doing this project together that mimics what nature does, we are polishing these rocks in a few weeks that takes millions of years to do in nature! It's a wonderful learning opportunity for children, as well as an extremely engaging project that although it may take quite some time for it to finish, the ongoing project itself is what makes it fun. Returning to the rocks and seeing the progress, (we actually started taking pictures each time we open it so then we can look back on the pictures and see how the rocks have changed!). I cannot say enough how great of a project this is for children to get them excited about science!
Personally, I find this to be very satisfying regardless of children. This would be an extremely fun hobby for an adult as well, the above is not to say that this is a children only experience. Use or find or buy your own natural gemstones or softer rocks (look in River beds if you can!). Tumble them, polish them, and then make your jewelry or just save them to display. It's quite a satisfying feeling to see the project from beginning to end, and to know that the beautiful smooth shiny rocks were not store-bought, but that you did this with that with this machine!
Cons:
I've been through the tumbling process in full, twice now. I honestly cannot think of any cons at this point. It's not to say that no one has had issues, but the machine I received functions perfectly and I have had no issues with leaks or ill-fitting pieces, tearing of the belt or anything of this nature.
I did take a very small amount of oil on my fingertip and lightly rub it on the belt to keep it lubricated, with the constant friction I could see how the belt can eventually wear down just like any other belt of this nature whether it's in a car or in a fan. So, keeping it very slightly lubricated will help with the health of the band. Should it break, the kid includes an extra belt and it is incredibly easy to repair, the belt is divisible and an outside piece of the equipment you simply take one off and put the other on there is no sophisticated way of connecting the belt, it is truly something my six-year-old could do with almost no instruction, so an adult will have zero issues with that!
If you are interested in rock tumbling, or you just want a very fun project for your children to stimulate their interest in science or to just keep them busy using their imaginations (regarding the possibilities of what to do with the rocks, and imagining whether it will look like and the brilliant colors!) - then this is absolutely a perfect kit to start with.
DO:
Make sure to not put too many rocks. I've never filled mine more than one third of the way, and I wouldn't recommend doing more than that. The amount of rocks you can tumble at a time will vary depending on the size, but I also recommend not doing anything smaller than a dime because during the tumbling process it could crack and chip. I would also recommend not doing anything larger than a half dollar as well (height and width, and that'd be on the largest size). Remember, this is just the hobby edition. I do have to say though, the results are quite sophisticated for just a hobby edition!
All in all, it's an excellent piece of equipment to buy if you're interested in rock tumbling but are unsure if you would stick to it or are not ready to spend a few hundred dollars on a professional Tumbler.
** I did read a few comments about the machine leaking, I have not had this problem at any point. Make sure you are putting on the inner lid correctly, as well as the top lid, then turning the black lid securing piece as tightly as possible. If you do end up having problems, I highly recommend exchanging instead of giving up, because I really have seen that it works and I just want everyone who wants to try this to have the experience I've had!
It's been great fun. Wonderful purchase, no regrets!
The package comes with step by step instructions that are easy to follow. The tumbler itself is super beginner friendly, and you don’t need any previous knowledge to operate one. The kit comes with starter powder for each cycle, a tumbler and stand, starter rocks, and cool stuff you can put your rocks in like keychains and necklaces. You will need to order more powder for the different cycles if you plan on using it more than a few times, but they sell it in a giant pack of four for the refills, so you won’t run out anytime soon.
You can tumble all different sizes of rocks as well. I’ve experimented a lot with different timings and different sizes, but a general rule of thumb is bigger sizes need more time, smaller need way less. If you want to tumble a super small rock, it might be best to skip the first 2-3 cycles and just run the last 1-2 on half the recommended length so you don’t completely erode your rock. The shrinkage kinda just depends on the composition of your rock, so do your research before tumbling if you’re worried! The rocks pictured above were mostly hardened GA clay with a little bit of rock here and there, and were each originally the size of a kid’s fist, but i’ve had others the same size that barely shrank at all because they were made from harder materials!
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2024
The package comes with step by step instructions that are easy to follow. The tumbler itself is super beginner friendly, and you don’t need any previous knowledge to operate one. The kit comes with starter powder for each cycle, a tumbler and stand, starter rocks, and cool stuff you can put your rocks in like keychains and necklaces. You will need to order more powder for the different cycles if you plan on using it more than a few times, but they sell it in a giant pack of four for the refills, so you won’t run out anytime soon.
You can tumble all different sizes of rocks as well. I’ve experimented a lot with different timings and different sizes, but a general rule of thumb is bigger sizes need more time, smaller need way less. If you want to tumble a super small rock, it might be best to skip the first 2-3 cycles and just run the last 1-2 on half the recommended length so you don’t completely erode your rock. The shrinkage kinda just depends on the composition of your rock, so do your research before tumbling if you’re worried! The rocks pictured above were mostly hardened GA clay with a little bit of rock here and there, and were each originally the size of a kid’s fist, but i’ve had others the same size that barely shrank at all because they were made from harder materials!
We bought this for our son as a 7th birthday gift. It's the perfect mid-range rock tumbler! It's sturdy and doesn't seem like it will break. It's been running now for over 2 weeks. It's definitely not silent, but with its rubber barrel, I suspect it's tougher and quieter than one with a plastic barrel. We keep it in the basement, but can see it'd be annoying if it was somewhere in the house. It has a handy feature where you can set it for up to 7 days and it'll tell you how many days are left- great for a kid! It includes a nice little instruction manual with information about the history of rock tumbling and description of the rocks included. It's a nice, reasonably-priced kit that includes everything you need to start tumbling rocks right away!
Update: now that we've completed a batch, I figured I'd add some info. We still think it's a nice kit! The little sieve that comes with the kit is very handy! Our final stones were smooth and lovely. However, they weren't really shiny. After some reading, we learned that there is a bit of an art to this and we need to be a little more meticulous in the cleaning of the tumbler between grits. Overall, though, our 7-year-old is quite pleased with the kit. We bought the jasper set and will try that next!
Update #2-- SHINY ROCKS!
We did a few batches and couldn't get shiny rocks and we lost interest. My kiddo is now almost 9 but just started becoming interested in geology a lot more. We decided to try again. After reading some about it, I decided to try a better brand of grit and IT WORKED! We bought Rock Tumbler Grit for 3 Pound Tumbler
by Professional Grade Rock Polishing Grit
And followed the instructions **carefully,** making sure to clean the tumbler tub very meticulously after each tumble. We also purchased tumbling pellets (Rock Tumbler "Sinking" Plastic Pellets / Beads Used For Final Polishing & Burnishing Stages) for the final two stages. The new grit had an additional stage which made all the difference. The jade set came out mostly lovely and shiny. They were not all consistently shiny, but I see promise! I added a picture using the flash to show off the polish. We're going to try the nee grit with a different set of stones now.
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2016
We bought this for our son as a 7th birthday gift. It's the perfect mid-range rock tumbler! It's sturdy and doesn't seem like it will break. It's been running now for over 2 weeks. It's definitely not silent, but with its rubber barrel, I suspect it's tougher and quieter than one with a plastic barrel. We keep it in the basement, but can see it'd be annoying if it was somewhere in the house. It has a handy feature where you can set it for up to 7 days and it'll tell you how many days are left- great for a kid! It includes a nice little instruction manual with information about the history of rock tumbling and description of the rocks included. It's a nice, reasonably-priced kit that includes everything you need to start tumbling rocks right away!
Update: now that we've completed a batch, I figured I'd add some info. We still think it's a nice kit! The little sieve that comes with the kit is very handy! Our final stones were smooth and lovely. However, they weren't really shiny. After some reading, we learned that there is a bit of an art to this and we need to be a little more meticulous in the cleaning of the tumbler between grits. Overall, though, our 7-year-old is quite pleased with the kit. We bought the jasper set and will try that next!
Update #2-- SHINY ROCKS!
We did a few batches and couldn't get shiny rocks and we lost interest. My kiddo is now almost 9 but just started becoming interested in geology a lot more. We decided to try again. After reading some about it, I decided to try a better brand of grit and IT WORKED! We bought Rock Tumbler Grit for 3 Pound Tumbler
by Professional Grade Rock Polishing Grit
And followed the instructions **carefully,** making sure to clean the tumbler tub very meticulously after each tumble. We also purchased tumbling pellets (Rock Tumbler "Sinking" Plastic Pellets / Beads Used For Final Polishing & Burnishing Stages) for the final two stages. The new grit had an additional stage which made all the difference. The jade set came out mostly lovely and shiny. They were not all consistently shiny, but I see promise! I added a picture using the flash to show off the polish. We're going to try the nee grit with a different set of stones now.