The phenomenon of triboluminescence is poorly understood. Some researchers believe that scratching or hitting materials together provides an input of energy that excites electrons within the materials. When the electrons fall from their excited state, a flash of light is produced [2]. Others believe that triboluminescence is similar to lightning and caused by an electrical current generated by force applied to the materials. The electrical current travels through the material, causing molecules of gas trapped within the crystal to glow [3].

The flashes of light produced by triboluminescent minerals is usually white or orange, but other colors are possible. We may not see all of the light that is produced because some of it could have wavelengths that are outside of the visible spectrum of humans [2].

Wint O Green Lifesavers?

**** Safety glasses recommended ****

An interesting material that exhibits a blue triboluminescence is Wint O Green Lifesavers. If you crush them with a pair of pliers in a dark room, you should see some nice blue flashes of light. The crystalline sugar in the candy is thought to be the source of the triboluminescence, and the methyl salicylate (wintergreen flavoring) produces a blue fluorescence [4]. Many other types of hard sugar candy exhibit triboluminescence.