Prince Rupert’s drops are one of the most fascinating phenomena in the world of physics and materials science.
They are formed when molten glass is dropped into cold water, rapidly cooling and solidifying into a unique teardrop shape.
The outer layer cools and hardens almost instantly, while the inside stays hot longer and contracts as it cools, creating incredible internal tension.

As a result, the bulbous head of the drop is so strong that it can withstand blows from a hammer without breaking.
However, if even a tiny part of the thin tail is damaged, the entire structure releases its stored energy at once and shatters explosively into microscopic pieces — almost like a small internal explosion.

Prince Rupert’s drops have been studied for centuries and continue to amaze scientists today.
They beautifully demonstrate the hidden forces that can exist inside materials and how something so small and delicate can store so much energy.