Misinformation Spreads Regarding Supposed Discovery of Electrically Charged Rocks in DRC
The claims that electrically charged stones were found in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been circulating on social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram.
Recent social media claims of “electrically charged stones” found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been debunked by experts.
A video circulating on social media showed several people inspecting a small, shiny rock and connecting it to a wire, which activated a light. However, experts have stated that while certain minerals can conduct electricity, none can store it.
The substance in the video is likely pyrite, a common mineral that can conduct electricity but cannot store it. The experts also explained that rocks lack the chemical reactions necessary for releasing and flowing electrons, which is what allows batteries to release electricity.
They also lack the necessary components of batteries such as positive and negative electrodes. In conclusion, the notion that rocks can store electricity is not supported by any known mechanism and the rock alone is not generating voltage.
Meanwhile Benjamin Hallett, a geology lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, guessed that It is possible that the person holding the rock in the video may also be holding a battery.
