Are tears really as precious as pearls? In fact, tear crystals look more like snowflakes! Let's use a portable microscope to see how they look.
Ever wonder if tears are more than just their salty taste? Absolutely! Tears have often been likened to "blood without red blood cells," and this comparison holds true. They contain antibodies and trace elements, mirroring the composition found in our bloodstream. Today, let's embark on a journey to induce some tears and peer into the intriguing world of tear crystals through a microscope!
Equipment used: Hi-mag Pro lens
Difficulty: ✭✭✭✭☆ (Highly recommended for people who have Hi-mag Pro lens)
How to Observe:
Simply drop some tears onto the circular slide, patiently allowing 10-30 minutes for tear crystals to take shape. Afterward, use your hi-mag lens to witness their fascinating structure.
The crystallization process varies—faster crystallization may yield incomplete crystals, while slower growth results in beautifully formed ones. For a speedy view, you can opt for a hairdryer or heat, though this might cause the crystals to be a bit fractured. On the other hand, air-drying in a cool spot ensures intact crystals.
Additional Knowledge:
Blood is composed of a variety of elements such as "white blood cells, enzymes, coenzymes," offering nourishment and antibodies. Tears, produced by the lacrimal gland, derive their nutrients from blood. Consequently, the composition of tears closely resembles that of blood!
Tears consist of approximately 98.2% water, sourced from the moisture in our blood, containing minute quantities of salt, proteins, fats, minerals, and other substances. So, tears are more than just their salty taste! (Salt crystals take on a square shape)
In the realm of tears, science identifies three main types:
Given the differences in composition and crystallization conditions, each batch of tear crystals showcases slight variations. Join us in collecting tears of diverse shapes and forms!
