Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a piezoelectric material that endures high temperatures, the resources of raw materials of which are abundant, and that is stably suppliable. Disclosed is a piezoelectric element, including: a piezoelectric member having a surface for receiving external stress and a side surface that is perpendicular to the surface for receiving external stress; and at least one pair of a first electrode and a second electrode that are placed on the side surface, the first electrode being provided so as to separate from the second electrode. The piezoelectric member is preferably cut out from a piezoelectric material that includes gehlenite (Ca2Al2SiO7) in a predetermined crystal orientation. The piezoelectric member utilizes a transverse piezoelectric effect, and is preferably a (XYt) 45°-cut piece. The electrodes are preferably provided on surfaces that are parallel to the YZ plane.