triboluminescent

Triboluminescence is a phenomenon where light is generated when a material is mechanically stressed, fractured, or rubbed. This light emission occurs in the absence of significant heat, distinguishing it from incandescence. The process typically involves breaking chemical bonds within a material, leading to the formation of charged particles or ions. These charged species then recombine or interact with the surrounding environment, releasing energy in the form of photons, which we perceive as light.

Common examples of triboluminescent materials include certain sugars like sucrose, and minerals such as quartz and feldspar. The process can be observed when crushing sugar crystals in a darkened room or by breaking apart a Wint-O-Green Life Saver candy. The intensity and color of the emitted light can vary depending on the specific material and the nature of the mechanical stress applied. While the exact mechanisms are still an area of research for some materials, the fundamental principle involves the conversion of mechanical energy into light energy through fracture-induced electrical phenomena.