Natasha Marrero

Prof. Helvia Guzman

INGL 3104 L-15

How to make sugar crystals

First of all you may want to know what a sugar crystal is, which is a more or less regular periodic array of sugar molecules. Sugar crystals or rock candy are among the safest crystals to grow but they aren't always the easiest crystals to grow if you don’t follow instructions. They can be made into candy, jewelry and much more.

Introduction

If you may wish to grow a seed crystal all you have to do is get a small crystal or heavy artifact to weight your string and provide a surface for larger crystals to grow onto. A seed crystal is not necessary as long as you are using a rough string or yarn so it means that it is actually optional.

First step: Grow a seed crystal

If you have made a seed crystal, tie it to the bottom of the string. If you did not made the seed then it’s because you chose a hard string. Set the pencil or knife across the top of the glass jar and make sure that the string will hang into the jar without touching its sides or bottom. However, you don’t want the sting to touch the sides not the bottom so adjust the pencil to keep it straight.

Second step: Tie the string to a pencil

You add 1 cup of water into a pan or bowl and then set your stove on high and the water will start boiling. You can also boil the water in the microwave so it’s pretty much your choice.

Third Step: Boil the water

You add in 2 cups of sugar at a time. You keep adding sugar until it starts to accumulate at the bottom of the pan and won't dissolve. This means your sugar solution is saturated. If you don't use a saturated solution, then your crystals won't grow quickly. On the other hand, if you add too much sugar, new crystals will grow on the undissolved sugar and not on your string so you got to be very careful.

Fourth step: Stir in the sugar

This step is fully optional, if you want colored crystals or more playful all you have to do is , stir in a few drops of food coloring.

Fifth step: Add color

Once you have waited a few minutes for the solution to cool down you carefully pour your solution into the glass jar. If you have undissolved sugar at the bottom of your container, avoid getting it in the jar.

Sixth step: Pour solution into glass jar

Once your done pouring the solutions you have to slowly and carefully place the pencil or stick over the jar and allow the string to dangle into the liquid. Make sure it’s right in the middle and not touching any edges.

Seventh step: Place the pencil over the jar

Set the jar somewhere where it can remain undisturbed. Another optional thing, you can set a coffee filter or paper towel over the jar to prevent dust from falling into the jar.

Eighth step: Keep the jar safe

This is the last step, check on your crystals after a day. You should be able to see the beginnings of crystal growth on the string or seed crystal. You may let the crystals grow until they have reached the desired size. And at this point you can make the sugar crystal into whatever you want!! Enjoy and have fun!

Ninth step: Check on your crystals

Making sugar crystal could be something really easy if you follow this steps correctly, and once you do you’ll never regret it because you would have some much fun with it. I hope you have liked my presentation, have a nice day.

Conclusion