Conduction Conduction in mineral terms is the ability of a mineral to conduct electricity . These conductors can be placed between a wire carrying electricity, and the electricity will pass through it. Conduction is an important property that can distinguish true metals from metallic looking sulfides and oxides . Pyroelectricity Pyroelectricity is where a mineral develops electrical charges when exposed to temperature changes.
Some minerals develop an electrical charge when heated, others when cooled.
Piezoelectricity Piezoelectricity is where a mineral develops electrical charges when put under stress. Piezoelectric minerals will develop charges when rubbed or struck repeatedly. Conduction is very useful in distinguishing true metals, but pyroelectricity and piezoelectricity are not practical testing methods for normal mineral collectors. Advertise on this page This page is open to sponsor.