🚀 go-pugleaf

I was given a lava lamp a few months ago, which isn't bubbling too well.
Instead of the wax bubbling once the lamp gets hot, it just rises up
into a sort of wave.
(I think they are also called bubble lamps)

Does anyone know what the "wax" and "water" actually are?
(Judging by the smell, I think that the wax is some form of heavy
 petroleum grease.)

Apparently at some point during its life the lamp was stored on its side
and leaked. The owner topped it off with tap water, and "It's never been
the same since...."

If anyone can provide info to help me restore it to its former glory(?)
I'd be grateful. (Timewarped acid freak that I am.....:-)
It was made in NZ and I think it's around 15 years old.

Alan B                           "Well, we were just laying there
Dogbowl@dogbox.acme.gen.nz        And this ghost of your other lover walked in
Dawghaus BBS +64 6 357-9245       And stood there.
Palmerston North, New Zealand     Made of thin air. Full of desire..

...Why these mountains? Why this sky? This long road? This empty room?"
                                                        - Laurie Anderson