Piezoelectricity: Electricity in Quartz
I love how science, nature, and creativity work together to make this world an even more beautiful place than we realize. One example is a phenomenon called piezoelectricity: Certain elements - including quartz crystals - generate an electrical charge when compressed or struck. This quality is utilized in many modern ways such as lighters, clocks, and even "crystal radios", which we can still build today.
While doing my work, I get to experience these special, unseen layers of nature, and you can experience piezoelectricity yourself. Simply take two rough (like the ones pictured below in the hands), quartz-crystal stones into a dark place/room. Then vigorously rub them together, and you, too, will start to see sparks of electricity. Another way is to build your own crystal radio; kits are still available. The most fascinating thing (to me) is that you change the pressure on the crystal in the radio to change the channel/frequency. Amazing.
I hope you get to experience these little magical (and scientific) aspects of nature for yourself with these simple experiments.
Learn more about piezoelectricity at https://sciencing.com/do-piezoelectric-crystals-work-5132808.html
