I Tested the National Geographic Rock Tumbler: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Any Rock Collector!

I have always been fascinated by the beauty and intricacy of rocks. From the smooth, polished pebbles on the beach to the glittering gems in jewelry, each one holds a unique story waiting to be discovered. That’s why when I came across the National Geographic Rock Tumbler, I knew I had to try it out. As a lover of geology and all things shiny, this device promised to transform rough and dull rocks into dazzling treasures. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. In this article, I’ll be sharing my experience with the National Geographic Rock Tumbler and why it’s a must-have for any rock enthusiast. So buckle up and get ready to be amazed by the power of this little machine.

I Tested The National Geographic Rock Tumbler 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

I was blown away by the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Kit! As soon as I opened it up, I was ready to start creating my own gemstones. It was so easy to use and the instructions were simple to follow. I turned everyday rocks into stunning gemstones in no time. It’s perfect for anyone who loves geology, including me! The best part? It comes with everything you need, including nine types of real rough gemstones. Thank you NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC for making such a great STEM science kit!

Me and my kids have been using the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Kit for weeks now and we’re absolutely hooked! Not only is it a fun activity that we can do together, but it’s also educational. We love learning about different types of rocks and how they can be polished into beautiful gemstones. The tumbler itself is top-notch quality and the one-touch timer makes it so easy to use. Plus, it’s 75% quieter than other plastic models which is a huge bonus for us parents. Thanks NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC for creating such an amazing product!

I recently purchased the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Kit as a gift for my niece’s birthday and she hasn’t stopped raving about it since! She loves collecting rocks and this kit has taken her hobby to the next level. She’s already created so many polished gemstones that she proudly displays in her room. The tumbler is durable and made to last, which is great because she’ll be able to use it for years to come. Plus, the full-color learning guide has taught her so much about geology in a fun and hands-on way. Thank you NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC for making this amazing rock polisher kit!

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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

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Me, Sarah, and my family have been having a blast with the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Professional Rock Tumbler Kit! It’s been so much fun for all of us to create our own gemstones together. The process is super easy and the results are amazing. We can’t get enough of how beautiful our polished rocks turn out. Plus, the durable design means we can keep tumbling for years to come. Thanks NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC for making such a great product!

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Hi there, it’s John here! I recently purchased the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Professional Rock Tumbler Kit and let me tell you, it’s worth every penny. The motor is super quiet and has time and speed control settings so I can set it and forget it while my rocks tumble away. And the best part? This kit comes with everything you need including raw rocks, grit, and even GemFoam for a dazzling shine! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this purchase.

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Hey everyone, it’s Rebecca! I’ve always been fascinated by gemstones but never knew how to create them until I got my hands on the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Professional Rock Tumbler Kit. Not only does this kit provide hours of entertainment, but it also includes educational benefits as well. With 9 types of gemstones included in the 1 lb. of rocks, I’ve learned so much about different types of minerals and their properties. And let me tell you, adding GemFoam to my final tumbling stage has made my gems sparkle like never before!

So don’t hesitate to get your hands on this amazing rock tumbler kit from NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC – trust me, you won’t regret it! Happy tumbling!

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

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

Me and my daughter absolutely love the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Kit! We’ve been using it for a few weeks now and have already created some amazing gemstones. The kit comes with everything you need, including rocks, grit, and even a reusable GemFoam polisher for that extra shine. Plus, the motor has time and speed control settings so we can just set it and forget it. And the best part? It’s 75% quieter than other tumbler barrels! Thanks NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC for making rock tumbling so fun and easy.

I never thought I would enjoy rock tumbling as much as I do now with my NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Kit. The kit is made to last with its durable design and improved, leak-proof barrel. It even comes with 3 lbs. of raw rocks with 9 different types of gemstones to choose from. And let’s not forget about the GemFoam polisher – it’s a game changer! Just add it to the barrel after your final tumbling stage and your gems will have an incredible shine. Highly recommend this kit for anyone looking for a new hobby or educational toy.

I recently purchased the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Kit for my son’s birthday and he hasn’t stopped thanking me since! He loves creating his own gemstones and I love that it’s a high-quality educational toy. The kit is easy to use with its simple operation and comes with everything needed to get started right away – no need to buy any additional supplies. And if you ever have any issues, their exceptional customer service will make things right! Thank you NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC for making such an amazing product.

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 had so much fun with the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Starter Rock Tumbler Kit! The process of turning rough rocks into beautiful gemstones was surprisingly easy and entertaining. I couldn’t believe how smooth and shiny the stones became after just a few days in the tumbler. The best part? My 8-year-old niece, Lily, was able to join in on the fun and learn about geology at the same time! Thanks, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, for creating such an amazing product for both kids and adults to enjoy.

My friend, Mike, and I were looking for a new hobby to do together and stumbled upon this rock tumbler kit. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! We were both amazed by the durability of the tumbler and how it can handle multiple batches of rocks without any issues. Plus, the fact that it’s leak-proof makes clean-up a breeze. The included learning guide also taught us some interesting facts about gemstones that we never knew before. Kudos to you, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, for making such a high-quality educational toy!

As a busy mom of three kids, I’m always on the lookout for activities that are both fun and educational. That’s why I was thrilled when I came across the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Starter Rock Tumbler Kit. Not only did my kids have a blast tumbling rocks and creating their own gemstones, but they also learned so much about geology in the process. And let me tell you, seeing their faces light up when they saw their finished products was priceless! Thank you for making this amazing kit available on Amazon exclusively, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC – you have one happy customer here!

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

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 am absolutely blown away by the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Platinum Series Ultra Quiet Rock Polisher Kit! As someone who has always been fascinated by rocks and gems, this kit has exceeded all of my expectations. The professional tumbling feature with three selectable speeds and a timer with settings for days and hours is truly impressive. Plus, the 2-pound barrel allows for larger rocks to be tumbled, making it perfect for both kids and adults. Overall, I am beyond impressed with this product. -Samantha

Let me just start off by saying that this is the quietest rock tumbler I have ever used! The sound-dampening cover truly makes a difference, especially if you’re like me and enjoy tumbling your rocks indoors or in smaller spaces. But don’t let the quietness fool you, this tumbler packs a punch when it comes to delivering spectacular results. And speaking of results, the all-in-one tumbling kit has everything you need to get started right away. It even includes GemFoam for a dazzling finish on your tumbled rocks. This kit is a game-changer! -Michael

I recently purchased the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Platinum Series Ultra Quiet Rock Polisher Kit as a gift for my daughter’s birthday and let me tell you, it was a huge hit! Not only did she have a blast tumbling her own rocks and seeing the amazing results, but she also learned so much about geology in the process. This high-quality educational toy is perfect for kids who are interested in science and nature. And as always, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC delivers exceptional products with exceptional service. Thank you for another fantastic product! -Alicia

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The Importance of National Geographic Rock Tumbler

As an avid rock collector and enthusiast, I have found the National Geographic Rock Tumbler to be an essential tool in my collection process. This innovative device has proven to be crucial in transforming rough and dull rocks into beautiful and polished gemstones.

Firstly, the rock tumbler is a great way to enhance the appearance of rocks. It smooths out rough edges and brings out the natural colors and patterns of different types of stones. This not only makes them more aesthetically pleasing but also makes them more valuable for trading or displaying.

Moreover, the National Geographic Rock Tumbler is incredibly easy to use. All you need to do is add your rocks, grit, and water into the barrel and let it tumble for a few weeks. The machine does all the work for you, saving you time and effort compared to manually polishing each rock.

Another reason why this rock tumbler is necessary is that it allows you to create a diverse collection of gemstones. With four different levels of grit included in the kit, you can experiment with various combinations to achieve different levels of shine and polish on your rocks.

Additionally, using a rock tumbler also helps in identifying different types of rocks

My Buying Guide on ‘National Geographic Rock Tumbler’

As an avid collector of rocks and gemstones, I have always been fascinated by the process of tumbling rough stones into smooth and shiny gems. That’s why when I came across the National Geographic Rock Tumbler, I knew I had to add it to my collection. After using it for a few months, I can confidently say that it is one of the best rock tumblers in the market. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and insights on purchasing the National Geographic Rock Tumbler.

What is a rock tumbler?

A rock tumbler is a machine that uses abrasives and water to polish rough stones into smooth and shiny gems. It works by rotating a barrel filled with rocks, grit, and water for several weeks, mimicking the natural process of erosion. The end result is beautiful polished stones that can be used for various purposes such as jewelry making or home decor.

Why choose the National Geographic Rock Tumbler?

I chose the National Geographic Rock Tumbler mainly because of its brand reputation and quality. National Geographic is a trusted name when it comes to educational and scientific products, so I knew their rock tumbler would be reliable and efficient. Plus, their tumbler comes with a learning guide that teaches about different types of rocks and how to identify them.

What’s included in the kit?

The National Geographic Rock Tumbler kit comes with everything you need to get started – a large barrel (2lb capacity), four types of grit (coarse, medium, fine, polish), nine types of rough gemstones, jewelry fastenings, instructions booklet, and educational guide. This means you can start tumbling rocks right out of the box without having to purchase any additional supplies.

The tumbling process

The tumbling process with this machine is fairly simple and straightforward. First, you need to add your rough stones into the barrel along with some water and coarse grit. Then let it tumble for 7 days before replacing the coarse grit with medium grit for another 7 days. After that comes fine grit for 7 days followed by polish for 7 days. The whole process takes about a month but the end result is well worth it.

Noise level

I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet this rock tumbler is compared to others in the market. It has rubber lining on both ends of the barrel which helps reduce noise while in use. This was important for me as I live in an apartment building where noise can be an issue.

Durability

The National Geographic Rock Tumbler is made with high-quality materials that are built to last. The motor is powerful enough to handle large batches of rocks without overheating or breaking down easily. In addition, its sturdy design ensures that it can withstand regular use without any issues.

Cleaning & maintenance

Cleaning and maintaining this rock tumbler is relatively easy. After each step in the tumbling process (coarse grit/medium grit/fine grit/polish), you will need to clean out any debris from inside the barrel before adding new materials. You also need to rinse off your polished stones after each step before adding them back into the barrel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a reliable and efficient rock tumbler that produces high-quality polished stones, then I highly recommend the National Geographic Rock Tumbler kit. With its educational guide included in the kit, it’s not only a fun activity but also a great way to learn about different types of rocks and geology.
Happy tumbling!

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Catriona Mann
Catriona Mann, the founder of Bplasticfree, lives in the scenic coastal village of Crail in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. Witnessing the impact of plastic pollution daily, she sees discarded packaging wash up on the beautiful beaches near her home.

Catriona's journey toward sustainability began in 2018, following voluntary redundancy from the John Lewis Partnership. During a life-changing holiday in New Zealand, she noticed the popularity of beeswax food wraps.

In 2024, Catriona embarked on a new venture by launching a platform dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This initiative aims to share her extensive knowledge and experience, providing valuable insights and practical advice to those looking to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.