Quartz
Triboluminescence
In this experiment, you are going to make light by rubbing quartz crystals together. Luminescence means light. Triboluminescence is light that is produced when certain objects are rubbed against each other, or pressure (force) is applied to some objects. You will see triboluminescence in the mineral quartz. Get two good-sized quartz crystals. The quartz should be colorless and clear. Step 1: Hold one crystal in each hand. Step 2: Rub the edge of one crystal across the face of the other crystal. A “face” is the flat surface of a crystal. The “edge” is where two faces come together. For best results, do this with the lights out. When you rub the edge of the first crystal against the face of the other, push one crystal against the other with a lot of pressure. Then, slide or swipe the first crystal across the face of the second in a single swiping motion. What will you see? You will see a fairly bright flash of yellow light inside the quartz crystal!! |
There is a special variety of quartz. Its crystals are so small they can not be seen with your eye. This kind of quartz is called chalcedony (cal – said – oh – nee). Its surface is usually bumpy and smooth and looks like a bunch of small grapes.
Agate There is a type of chalcedony called agate. When agate is sliced open, you can see bands of different colors inside, like the agate in this picture. Sometimes the bands are different shades of gray. But sometimes, the bands are many different colors. Color each band a different color: red, yellow, orange, blue, and white. |
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