Re: Irradiated gemstones

["Tony Harrison" <laharris@smtpgate.dphe.state.co.us>]

We saw some topaz about 10 years ago that had Zn-65 above detection limits.  The jeweler had had the stuff for about a year as I recall.  My understanding is that the gamma radiation changes the color, not the neutrons.  But since most gemstones spend some time in the black market, especially in Asia, Chinese reactor workers were able to pick up spare money irradiating topaz without the authorities knowledge.  I don't know if this is still the case.

Tony Harrison
Colo. Dept. of Public Health & Environment
(303)692-3046


>>> <Kerembaev@cs.com> 01/26 6:43 PM >>>
Kenneth,

I thought, may be others on the list also interested in this.

Could you tell what the amount of a "typical" enhancement irradiation dose?

Is there a process when the only gamma radiation alone used for that purpose 
or it is always combination gamma with neutrons?

Thank you.

Emil.
kerembaev@cs.com 

In a message dated 1/26/00 10:52:03 Pacific Standard Time, 
KTHOMPSO@DEQ.STATE.ID.US writes:

<<  worked in the jewelery business for 9 years and as of a year ago blue 
topaz was a gemstone still being color enhanced by irradation.   There are 
other gemstones currently being color enhanced by irradation which are  
saphires, and garnets.  If you have any questions you may cantact me at 
kthompso@deq.state.id.us >>
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