The piezoelectric properties of quartz is indeed true. While the pressure applied by a catalyzing resin is significantly less than the force from a strike of some kind, it is still enough to activate these properties. Sharon and I had an inquisitive fellow approach us at a recent event we were vending and speaking at…he wondered if it was possible to use temperature extremes (on both the resin and the quartz) to induce a greater application of pressure on all ingredients in the mold cavity. An interesting idea, for sure! More in Harold’s ballpark than mine…
I have seen this pattern in poseurs too (along with using stuff like sand, glitter, seashells etc.), and yes, the metals are essential to producing the Casimir Effect, which is why the finer metals are always better than the thicker ones. I tend to avoid excessive use of the D word, however, and the piezoelectric properties of quartz is beyond question. There are many sources of information on this that have not been co-opted by the tentacles of parasitic “logic”…
