Quartz can produce an electrical reaction. Minerals with this ability are called piezoelectric. The electrical reaction can be created by applying a charge, physical stress, or heat. Quartz is also distinguished as a gem that is capable of triboluminescence, or the ability to create light under pressure. This mystery light is not electricity in the form that we know it, but it is often mistaken as such. The most prominent scientific theory is that it is caused by the separation of chemical and electrical bonds. Diamonds are actually insulators; they do not conduct electricity.
Piezoelectric Example
Attach the cardiac monitoring electrodes to the sides of the quartz. Attach the voltmeter or multimeter to the electrodes. This will help to monitor the electrical changes that the quartz undergoes.
Place the prepared piece of quartz under the cardboard or blanket to protect it. Have the voltmeter close enough that you can see when it spikes, or ask a friend to help monitor it. Hit the quartz with the hammer, not so hard that it breaks but enough to make an impact on it. The meter should have a quick spike in electricity because of mechanical stress on the object.
You can see the same effect by placing the quartz into a frying pan and heating it, using caution not to burn the electrodes. The heating causes the electrons to excite and generate a mild electrical charge.
Triboluminescence
- 2 pieces of quartz
- 2 cardiac monitoring electrodes
- Multimeter or voltmeter
- Frying pan
- Stove
- Hammer
- Cardboard or blanket
A common misconception is that a quartz watch runs on electricity generated by quartz alone, when in fact the quartz is charged with electricity from a battery. Electricity is produced from electrons in motion. The quartz in this situation is cut in exacting shapes and charged by the battery. The charge causes the electrons to move, while the exact cuts set that movement at a given frequency. This movement sets the pace for a watch and makes it run.
Turn out the lights to assist with visibility.
Hold a piece of quartz in each hand.
Press the quartz pieces against one another and rub one against the other. This pressure should create an orange glow between the pieces. Although triboluminescence is not completely understood, prevailing theories say it is because of a break and reunification of electrical bonds.
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About the Author
Josie Myers has been a freelance writer and tutor since 2008. A mother of three, she was a pre-kindergarten teacher for seven years, is a Pennsylvania-certified tree tender and served as director of parks in her local municipality. Myers holds a Bachelor of Arts in music and business from Mansfield University and a Master of Arts in English from West Chester University.
Photo Credits
crystal image by matko from Fotolia.com