Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello,
My daughter, with my assisstance, followed the directions for rock candy. It is now one week later and the jar with the seeded string has a thick layer of crystals on the surface. The string, however, doesn't have a thick coating of crystals. Below the solution the string is void of having any crystals. Above the surface the sugar crystals are still attached. I would like to know if the string was supposed to grow thick crystals, as the water evaporates, above the surface. Please let me know if this is correct and if there is anything more she can do. We plan to let it grow until this weekend. The project is due on the 3rd of November. Thank you for all your help!
PS The jar without the seeded string is moving at a slower pace.

Hi!
I'm not a particular expert in this field, but here is a helpful guide on the internet-
http://chemistry.about.com/od/growingcr ... rystal.htm
Hope this helps, good luck!

dear eviannag,

Here are some websites I found on the topic:
http://candy.about.com/od/hardcandyreci ... _candy.htm
http://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/ca ... candy.html
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Rock-Candy/
http://www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-16 ... --,00.html

good luck,
scienceexpert123

Thanks for the sites. I will check them out with Evianna. Also, the rock crystals are forming on the non seeded string below the surface. It has taken the crystals 9 days to form on the strings..If anyone tries this project, be patient, and let them grow longer than a week.
Evianna's mom

That's great to hear!! Please feel free to post back if you have any more questions, good luck!