Boiling stones are unevenly-shaped substances that are added to liquids to stabilize. Chemically-inert, anti-bumping granules come in a variety of particle sizes. With a porous nature, boiling chips can successfully trap air in cavities to form solvent vapor bubbles continuously as long as the liquid remains at boiling point. Made of materials like silicon carbide or calcium carbonate, these chips provide nucleation sites to ensure smooth boiling and prevent bumping. Without the stones, liquids have a tendency to superheat then violently boil over. Boiling stones prevent intense reagent splattering, equipment damage, or the experiment being negatively impacted.