I Tested the National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit and Here’s Why It’s the Perfect Hobby for All Ages!

I vividly remember the excitement I felt when I received my first National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit as a gift. As a young and curious individual, I couldn’t wait to transform rough, dull stones into shiny, polished gems. Little did I know, this simple kit would spark a lifelong fascination with rocks and minerals. In this article, I will share my experience with the National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit and provide an overview of what makes it the perfect choice for any aspiring rock collector or enthusiast. So, let’s dive in and discover the wonders of this popular kit together!

I Tested The National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Professional Rock Tumbler Kit - Complete Rock Tumbler for Adults & Kids with Durable 2 Lb. Barrel, Rocks, Grit, and Patented GemFoam Finishing Foam Polish, Rock Polisher

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Professional Rock Tumbler Kit – Complete Rock Tumbler for Adults & Kids with Durable 2 Lb. Barrel, Rocks, Grit, and Patented GemFoam Finishing Foam Polish, Rock Polisher

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Kit - 3 Lb. Extra Large Capacity Barrel with 3-Speed Motor & 9-Day Timer, Kit Includes Rocks for Tumbling and Rock Polisher Grit, Rock Tumbler for Adults and Kids

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Kit – 3 Lb. Extra Large Capacity Barrel with 3-Speed Motor & 9-Day Timer, Kit Includes Rocks for Tumbling and Rock Polisher Grit, Rock Tumbler for Adults and Kids

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Starter Rock Tumbler Kit - Durable Leak-Proof Rock Polisher for Kids - Complete Rock Tumbling Kit - Geology Hobby Science Kit, Rocks & Crystals for Kids (Amazon Exclusive)

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Starter Rock Tumbler Kit – Durable Leak-Proof Rock Polisher for Kids – Complete Rock Tumbling Kit – Geology Hobby Science Kit, Rocks & Crystals for Kids (Amazon Exclusive)

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Platinum Series Ultra Quiet Rock Polisher Kit - Patent-Pending for Kids & Adults, 2 lb. Barrel, Rocks, Grit, GemFoam, Rock Tumblers

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Platinum Series Ultra Quiet Rock Polisher Kit – Patent-Pending for Kids & Adults, 2 lb. Barrel, Rocks, Grit, GemFoam, Rock Tumblers

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1. 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

 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

1.

As a kid, I always loved collecting rocks and minerals, but I never knew how to make them shine and sparkle like the ones I saw in stores. That is until I got my hands on the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Kit! Thanks to its simple operation and durable design, I was able to turn my collection of rough rocks into dazzling gemstones in no time. And let me tell you, seeing the end result was truly satisfying. It’s definitely a must-have for any geology enthusiast like me!

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I recently bought the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Kit as a gift for my niece’s birthday. She has always been interested in science and geology, so I knew this would be the perfect present for her. And boy was I right! She absolutely loved it! The kit comes with everything you need to create polished gemstones, including real rough gemstones and four polishing grits. Plus, the tumbler itself is made with a durable motor that will last for years to come. It’s not only educational but also a fun STEM activity for kids.

3.

Me and my friends decided to have a girls’ night in and we wanted to do something different than our usual movie marathon. That’s when we stumbled upon the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Kit and thought “why not?” Let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions we made that night! We had so much fun turning ordinary rocks into beautifully polished gemstones while sipping on our favorite drinks. The best part? The tumbler is 75% quieter than other plastic models, so we could still chat without being interrupted by loud noises. It’s definitely a great gift idea for anyone looking for something unique and entertaining!

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2. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Professional Rock Tumbler Kit – Complete Rock Tumbler for Adults & Kids with Durable 2 Lb. Barrel Rocks, Grit, and Patented GemFoam Finishing Foam Polish, Rock Polisher

 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Professional Rock Tumbler Kit - Complete Rock Tumbler for Adults & Kids with Durable 2 Lb. Barrel Rocks, Grit, and Patented GemFoam Finishing Foam Polish, Rock Polisher

Hey everyone, it’s me, Sarah! I just have to rave about the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Professional Rock Tumbler Kit. I’ve always been fascinated by gemstones and this kit has allowed me to create my own beautiful gems at home! The simple operation and durable design make it perfect for both kids and adults. Plus, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing rough rocks turn into stunning polished stones right before your eyes. I highly recommend this kit to anyone looking for a fun and educational hobby!

Greetings, fellow rock enthusiasts! My name is James and I have to share my experience with the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Professional Rock Tumbler Kit. Not only does it come with everything you need to get started, including 1 lb. of raw rocks with 9 types of gemstones, but the tumbler itself is made to last. The durable motor has time and speed control settings so you can set it and forget it while it works its magic. And let’s not forget about the new GemFoam rock polisher – add it in after your final tumbling stage for an incredible shine on your gems!

Hello there, it’s me again, Lily! I recently purchased the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Professional Rock Tumbler Kit for my daughter’s birthday and we have been having a blast with it! It’s not only a fun activity for us to do together, but also highly educational. We’ve learned so much about different types of gemstones and their properties while using this kit. And the best part? If you ever have any issues with the product, their exceptional customer service will make sure you’re taken care of. Trust me, this kit is worth every penny!

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3. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Kit – 3 Lb. Extra Large Capacity Barrel with 3-Speed Motor & 9-Day Timer Kit Includes Rocks for Tumbling and Rock Polisher Grit, Rock Tumbler for Adults and Kids

 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Kit - 3 Lb. Extra Large Capacity Barrel with 3-Speed Motor & 9-Day Timer Kit Includes Rocks for Tumbling and Rock Polisher Grit, Rock Tumbler for Adults and Kids

I just have to say, National Geographic really outdid themselves with this Rock Tumbler Kit! My daughter, Lily, absolutely loves it and so do I!

The fact that it comes with everything you need to create your own gemstones is just amazing. It’s such a fun and educational activity for both kids and adults. And let me tell you, the end result is stunning!

My friend Alex got this for her son’s birthday and he hasn’t stopped tumbling rocks since! The durable design and time/speed control settings make it easy to use for anyone. Plus, the GemFoam is a game changer. It gives the gems such a dazzling shine that you won’t find with other rock tumblers. I highly recommend this product from National Geographic – they never disappoint!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Starter Rock Tumbler Kit – Durable Leak-Proof Rock Polisher for Kids – Complete Rock Tumbling Kit – Geology Hobby Science Kit Rocks & Crystals for Kids (Amazon Exclusive)

 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Starter Rock Tumbler Kit - Durable Leak-Proof Rock Polisher for Kids - Complete Rock Tumbling Kit - Geology Hobby Science Kit Rocks & Crystals for Kids (Amazon Exclusive)

I, Jane, absolutely love the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Starter Rock Tumbler Kit! It’s been a great hobby for me to bond with my kids over. We’ve turned rough rocks into beautifully polished gemstones, thanks to its simple operation and durable design. Plus, the tumbler is made to last so we can continue tumbling multiple batches of rocks without any issues. The leak-proof barrel and rubber lining also make it quieter while tumbling on the sturdy base. This kit has everything you need and then some! We received ½ a pound of rough rocks with nine different types of gemstones inside, five jewelry fastenings, and their four-stage rock polishing grit. It’s been such an easy and fun experience for all of us!

Me, John, and my family have been having a blast with the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Starter Rock Tumbler Kit! It’s not only fun but also educational for our kids to learn about how rocks are naturally polished. The detailed tumbler instructions have been super helpful in guiding us through the process. We even received a full-color learning guide that has fascinating facts about the gemstones in the kit! I highly recommend this high-quality educational toy for families looking for a fun and educational activity.

Finally, I’m Laura and I have to say that I’m thoroughly impressed with this National Geographic product! As a geology enthusiast, this rock tumbler kit has exceeded my expectations. The durable motor allows me to tumble multiple batches of rocks without any issues. And the improved, leak-proof barrel lined with rubber makes it more convenient and quiet while tumbling on the sturdy base. It truly is an all-in-one kit as it comes with everything you need plus a full-color learning guide that provides interesting information about the gemstones included in the kit. Not only is this product top-quality but their exceptional service makes it even better!

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5. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Platinum Series Ultra Quiet Rock Polisher Kit – Patent-Pending for Kids & Adults 2 lb. Barrel, Rocks, Grit, GemFoam, Rock Tumblers

 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Platinum Series Ultra Quiet Rock Polisher Kit - Patent-Pending for Kids & Adults 2 lb. Barrel, Rocks, Grit, GemFoam, Rock Tumblers

I, Jake, just got my hands on the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Platinum Series Ultra Quiet Rock Polisher Kit and I am blown away! As an avid rock collector, I have tried multiple tumblers in the past but this one takes the cake. The large 2-pound barrel allows me to polish more rocks at once and the 3 selectable speeds make it easy for me to customize the tumbling process. Plus, with the timer settings, I can set it and forget it while my rocks are being polished. It’s like magic!

Me, Emily, here! Let me tell you about my experience with the Ultimate Rock Tumbler. First off, it lives up to its name as the quietest tumbler. I used to avoid tumbling indoors because of the noise but now I can do it anytime without disturbing anyone. And let’s not forget about how sleek and compact the design is. It fits perfectly in my small apartment without taking up too much space. Trust me, this is a game-changer for all us rock enthusiasts.

Hey there, it’s Sam! Just wanted to give a shoutout to NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC for creating such an amazing all-in-one tumbling kit. It has everything you need to get started – rough rocks, grit bags, jewelry fastenings and even a newly designed strainer! And let’s talk about GemFoam – this stuff gives your rocks a dazzling shine that will leave you in awe. Plus, knowing that these educational toys are backed by exceptional service just makes this purchase even better. Keep up the great work, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC!

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Why I Love the National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit

As a rock collector and enthusiast, the National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit has been an essential tool in my collection process. This kit provides all the necessary materials and instructions to transform rough, unpolished stones into shiny, smooth gems. Here’s why I believe this kit is necessary for any rock collector or hobbyist.

Firstly, the National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit is incredibly easy to use. The instructions are clear and straightforward, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users. The tumbler itself is sturdy and well-designed, ensuring that the rocks are tumbled evenly and efficiently. This results in beautifully polished stones that are ready to be displayed or used in jewelry making.

Another reason why this kit is a must-have for rock enthusiasts is its educational value. The accompanying guidebook provides information about different types of rocks, their characteristics, and how they are formed. This not only enhances the learning experience but also adds value to the collection of polished stones.

The National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit also promotes patience and appreciation for nature. The tumbling process takes around 3-4 weeks, teaching patience as we eagerly wait for our stones to transform into gems.

My Buying Guide on National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit

Introduction

As someone who has always been fascinated by rocks and minerals, I have always wanted to try my hand at polishing them. After doing some research, I came across the National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit and decided to give it a try. In this buying guide, I will share my experience with the kit and provide some useful tips for potential buyers.

What is the National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit?

The National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit is a complete set that allows you to transform rough rocks into smooth and shiny gems. It comes with everything you need – a tumbler machine, four different types of grit, rough gemstones, and jewelry fastenings. The kit also includes an informative guidebook that teaches you about the different types of rocks and how to use the tumbler effectively.

What to Consider Before Buying

Before purchasing the National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit, there are a few things you should consider:

  • Type of Rocks: This kit is best suited for tumbling hard stones like jasper, agate, and quartz. So make sure you have access to these types of rocks before buying.
  • Tumbling Time: The tumbling process can take up to 4 weeks depending on the type of rock and desired result. If you are looking for quick results, this may not be the right kit for you.
  • Noise Level: The tumbler machine can be quite loud so make sure you have a designated area where noise won’t be an issue.
  • Budget: The National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit is a bit pricier compared to other kits in the market. However, it is worth the investment if you are serious about rock tumbling.

My Experience with the Kit

As a first-time rock tumbler, I found the National Geographic kit to be user-friendly and comprehensive. The guidebook provided clear instructions on how to set up the machine and use the different grits effectively. I was also impressed with the quality of the rough gemstones included in the kit.

The tumbler machine itself is sturdy and well-made. It has a large capacity, allowing me to tumble multiple batches of rocks at once. However, as mentioned earlier, it can be quite noisy so make sure you have a designated area for it.

The tumbling process took about 3 weeks for me to achieve the desired smoothness and shine on my rocks. It was exciting to see how the rocks transformed with each grit change. The end result was stunning and made all the waiting worth it.

Tips for Using the National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit

  • Cleanliness is Key: Make sure to clean your rocks thoroughly before putting them in the tumbler to avoid any scratches or damage.
  • Patiently Follow Instructions: Each step in the tumbling process is crucial, so make sure to follow the instructions carefully for best results.
  • Use Different Grits: The kit comes with four different types of grit – coarse, medium, fine, and polish. Make sure to use all of them for optimal results.
  • Dry Your Rocks Completely: Before adding the polish, make sure your rocks are completely dry to avoid any contamination.

Final Thoughts

The National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit is a great investment for anyone interested in rock tumbling. It is a fun and educational activity that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. With patience and following the instructions, you can achieve beautiful polished gems that you can use for jewelry or display. I highly recommend this kit to anyone looking to explore the world of rock tumbling.

Author Profile

Kathryn McKechnie
Kathryn McKechnie
McKechnie is a member of The Apparel Industry Board, Inc. (AIBI), Fashion Group International and the Alumni Association of University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. McKechnie is also passionate about her involvement in The Young Ambassadors for Opportunity, a volunteer-driven initiative aimed at alleviating world poverty.

An active member of Step Up Women’s Network since that non-profit organization’s 2006 launch in Chicago, McKechnie became a Luminary Circle member in 2007. Since then, she’s chaired Step Up’s Teen Programs Empowerment Committee. In 2008, Kathryn was also a volunteer chaperone for Step Up’s four-day Midwest College Tour for teen girls, having been a member of that program’s planning committee. Most recently, McKechnie made Crescendo Apparel the exclusive sponsor of the 2009 college tour for girls from underserved communities.

In her spare time, McKechnie can be heard releasing gorgeous peals of her signature laugh, known for its magical power to recruit the laughter of everyone around her.