What gives sparkling water its sparkle?

What gives sparkling water its sparkle?

The addition of carbon dioxide is what gives mineral water a refreshing sparkle. This requires very high pressure and relatively cool conditions, for only then will the gaseous carbon dioxide dissolve - forming carbonic  acid - and be evenly distributed in the water. In an unopened bottle of mineral water, the pressure is four to five times higher that it is in the ambient air. When a bottle is opened, the pressure is reduced and some of the carbon dioxide escapes. This is visible in the form of bubbles that come fizzing up suddenly. Carbonated mineral water fizzes when pressure in the bottle is reduced, but not all the carbon dioxide bubbles escape at the same time. This is because although carbon dioxide is lighter than water - which is why  the fizz travels upwards - it is heavier than air and slows down when it reaches the air.

In the case of naturally sparkling mineral water, the water absorbs carbon dioxide as it seeps through volcanic rock. However, as the water travels to the surface, the fizz escapes, but the gas is collected ans added to the water just before bottling.