A lava lamp is a decorative lighting device that contains a special liquid and wax. When the lamp is turned on, a light bulb at the base heats the wax, causing it to rise and fall in mesmerizing patterns. This movement creates a soothing visual effect, making lava lamps popular for home decor and relaxation. The design of a lava lamp typically features a glass container filled with colored liquid and a wax-like substance. Invented in the 1960s by Edward Craven Walker, lava lamps have become iconic symbols of retro style and are often associated with the counterculture of that era.