Working:-The crystal microphone works on the principle of piezo electric effect. When pressure is applied to any of these crystals electricity is generated, and if an electric charge is applied to a crystal, it changes shape (Piezoelectric effect).
Fig. shows a crystal microphone .An aluminum diaphragm is connected to a crystal unit via push rod, so that the pressure exerted by sound waves on the diaphragm can be passed to crystal unit. Usually two crystal plates are connected (“Bimorph” element) which gives higher output voltage. The crystal unit is well supported by the insulating material rods. The whole unit is enclosed in a protective case. The pressure variations which are passed by the diaphragm to the crystal unit will generate an electric potential which is proportional to applied pressure.