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When a crystal made out of quartz (crystals can be all different kinds of materials) is cut in the way it needs to be cut and is mounted properly, it will bend in an electric field. This takes place by a voltage amount being placed on an electrode, which is placed on the crystal or in close proximity to it. This process is called piezoelectricity. When the electrical field is taken away, the crystal generates an electrical field of its own, functioning as an electrical circuit, with an indictor, a capacitor, and a resistor, again producing a very exact frequency.
One of the only drawbacks of this type of technology is the fact that extreme changes in temperature can adversely affect the crystal itself. This is where the oven controlled portion comes in. Crystals in these circumstances are placed into a temperature controlled device called a crystal oven. The oven is a tiny insulated container which holds a heating element and a temperature sensor. The idea is to keep the temperature at a very consistent level, usually a level which is much higher than room temperature (typically around 75 degrees Celsius). This extreme level of heat allows the crystal to function much more effectively and efficiently.
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