Crystal Q & A: Electrical Properties?

I recently received this interesting question about crystal electrical properties:

“I was wondering about something for a while now & concluded that you are the best person I know of to ask 🙂 I have read that amber, jet & some other stones possess electric properties that can create an electrical charge? I don’t really understand this so it may be all wrong, but would you be able to explain it to me please & maybe how I can utilise this property?”

Now, this answer could get painfully boring but I’m not about that. I’m into getting the science across while making it as painless as possible & somehow find the FUN in it!

Crystals with Electrical Properties

Jet and amber both have the unique property of becoming electrically charged when rubbed with wool (inducing a negative charge) or silk (inducing a positive charge). You can geek out on that here.

TRY IT!: the turboelectric effect. I love saying that! 

They can also become statically charged when they come in contact with your body. Then can be discharged simply by running underwater.

This is also a great way to tell the difference between copal, “Colombian Amber” and … Read More