Formation – Optional Activity 2

Sugar Crystal Rock Candy

Introduction

What are you doing? You’re creating edible crystals using the same scientific principles that form natural gemstones, but with materials you can actually taste when finished!

What does it show? This experiment demonstrates how different minerals create different crystal shapes and structures. While salt forms cubes, sugar forms elongated rectangular crystals, showing you that each mineral has its own unique “crystal signature.”

Why is this important? In gemology, crystal structure is one of the most important identification tools. A trained gemologist can identify many gemstones just by looking at their crystal shape. This experiment helps you understand why diamonds look different from emeralds, even before they’re cut and polished.

Materials Needed

• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• Wooden sticks or skewers
• Clothespins
• Clear glass jars
• Coffee filters
• Food coloring (optional)
• Camera for daily documentation
• Ruler
• Lab notebook

Safety Requirements

• Adult supervision required for heating sugar solution
• Solution will be extremely hot – adult handling only
• Allow proper cooling time before handling
• Work in well-ventilated area

Step-by-Step Instructions

Phase 1: Create Super-Saturated Sugar Solution (20 minutes)

1. Adult mixes 3 cups sugar with 1 cup water in heavy-bottomed pot
2. Adult heats mixture on medium heat, stirring

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