Re: Radioactive Gemstones

[Scott D Kniffin <Scott.D.Kniffin.1@gsfc.nasa.gov>]

Hi all,

>>2.  You have described the basic technique.
>>
One minor addition here, if you are using electrons, sufficient cooling
must be supplied (typically running water) or some stones (epically topaz)
explode like little firecrackers.  Very messy, very expensive.  

Franz, I have to say that in part I agree that it's kind of a fraud, but
I'd really miss that beautiful deep blue from irradiated topaz.  Also, I'm
not really certain why you'd want a yellow diamond anyway.  I thought the
obsession was for perfectly clear and no flaws.  

Scott Kniffin

RSO Unisys Federal Systems, Lanham, MD
CHO Radiation Effects Facility, GSFC, NASA
mailto:Scott.D.Kniffin.1@gsfc.nasa.gov

The opinions expressed here are my own. They do not necessarily represent
the views of Unisys or NASA.  This material has not been reviewed by my
manager or NASA.  
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