We crushed a Wint-O-Green Lifesaver and recorded it in slow motion to watch the triboluminescence that occurs when shattering the crystals that flavor it. (See below for more)
The crystals in the candy release energy to the Nitrogen in the air around it. Then, the nitrogen releases light, mostly ultraviolet, which we can't see. HOWEVER, Methyl salicylate, the flavoring for this kind of candy, absorbs the UV light and re-emits it as blue light we can see! Sweet! (Pun intended)
