The “Prince Rupert’s Drop” may sound like a silly moniker for a piece of glass, but don’t let the name fool you: These strange baubles are almost indestructible.
Created by plunging molten glass into freezing water, the bulbous ends of these unusual tear-dropped shapes are supposedly nearly impossible to break.
That’s not an unfair assessment: PRDs have been shown to withstand not just blows from a hammer or an impact on a concrete sidewalk, but a straight shot from a .38 Special loaded with some custom-made full metal jackets, thanks to the inquisitive Destin Sandlin at Smarter Every Day.
GIF via SmarterEveryDay
![](https://taskandpurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/03/image-placeholder-title-6.gif?strip=all&quality=95)
Unfortunately, the Prince Rupert’s Drop isn’t totally indestructible. As part of his quest to test the true strength of the PRD, Sandlin opted for a something a bit more intimidating for his test this past Sunday: the legendary AK-47.
Here’s the interesting thing about this video: While the first AK round completely disintegrates against the PRD, the second shot completely shatters the solid glass teardrop into dust.
GIF via SmarterEveryDay
![](https://taskandpurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/03/image-placeholder-title-7.gif?strip=all&quality=95)
The moral of the story: Everything is “indestructible” until it meets an AK-47.