How to Make Rock Candy

Want to amaze the kids with rocks that are sweet and colorful. Or an opportunity to introduce them to the beautiful world of crystals. Then you can't go wrong with Rock Candy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sugar
• Boing Water
• Paperclip
• Pencil
• String
• Jar
• Food Coloring (optional)

1. Boil your water.

2. Pour the hot water into your jar.
   Add food coloring if you want colored crystals.

3. Add sugar a little at a time and stir. About 1/2 a tablespoon until the water is saturated with sugar.
   You would know when the water is saturated because the sugar would stop dissolving and settle to the bottom.

4. Tie the paper clip to the string, and the sting to the pencil. Dangle the paper clip in the water without the sting touching the sides of the jar and without the paperclip touching the bottom.

5. Place the jar in a warm area where it would not be disturbed.

6. After 24 hours you should see crystals forming. Remove when ready. One week should be long enough.

Tips & Warnings

• You can place a cloth over the top of the jar to prevent dust from falling into the solution.
• Like most crystals, rock candy grows bigger undisturbed and grow very large if they grow slowly. If you have the time decrease the temperature and slightly increase the humidity.
• Adding colors make the crystals more interesting. But how much better would it be to have a red to blue colored crystal. I have not tried this yet but it should work.
• Start with a string drenched in diluted red food coloring then dry. continue the normal process, however halfway passed the week put in 5-7 drops of blue food coloring.
• If you use a weight do NOT use lead weights. If you are not sure if the are lead do NOT use it anyway.
• Be careful around the hot water.