Colloidal particles always carry an electric charge. The nature of this charge is the same on all the particles in a given colloidal solution and may be either positive or negative. Hydrated metallic oxide like Al2O3.xH2O is an example of positively charged colloid whereas metals, e.g., copper, silver, gold sols, sols of starch, gum, gelatin, clay, charcoal, etc and acid dye stuffs, e.g., eosin form negatively charged colloid.