Facts on Sugar Rock Crystals

Compared to most candies, rock crystals are very unique.

Sugar rock crystals are a type of hard candy that is made from flavored, crystallized sugar. The unusual consistency and appearance are what gives it its notoriety.

History

The idea for sugar rock crystals emerged originally from India, where rock candy is known as "mishri" in Hindu. The first rock crystals were made by cooling sugar solutions until they hardened together. Often these candies were given a scent of ambergris, which smells like flowers.

Features

During the process of making sugar rock crystals, sticks or stiff strings are often inserted to give the crystals something to form on. When finished, the crystals can be eaten directly from the string. Normally it takes about seven days for the process to complete itself.

Fun Fact

Sugar rock crystals are given their name due to their crystalline shape which they take when the process is complete. This shape is actually a distorted mirror image of the actual sugar crystals in their microscopic form, because as the crystals grow, they collide together, forming distinctive shapes.

References

• Exploratorium: The Science of Cooking
• Sugar India: Candy