Crystal Radios (was Re: List spammer ID'd)

From: John Foust <jfoust_at_threedee.com>
Date: Fri Mar 30 10:34:32 2001

At 06:08 AM 3/28/01 -0800, Ethan Dicks wrote:
>So did mine, but my father built a real crystal set in the 1940's. Somewhere,
>I have printed instructions on how to build one, down to how to cut a section
>of pipe/conduit with ears to screw it down to the block of wood that you use
>as the base. Anyone know where to get a hunk of crystal these days?

The mineral is "galena", a lead ore that apparently had enough
interesting impurities to semi-conduct depending on where the
whisker floated. In SW Wisconsin, you can find it on the ground.
Raw, it's dull grey. It cleaves easily to expose shiny surfaces.

- John
Received on Fri Mar 30 2001 - 10:34:32 BST