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Irradiated Blue Topaz: Be Very Careful!
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has called for the checking of irradiated blue topaz and for members to consider temporarily suspending imports of these gemstones.
Recently the United States, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) stepped up enforcement of irradiated gemstones, which resulted in some retailers pulling these goods from the shelves.
AGTA said that while there hadn't been a confirmed report of cancer or radiation poisoning as a result of irradiated gemstones to their knowledge, increase care in handling was prudent. "We have no reason to believe that any significant quantity of dangerous gemstones [exist] in the market today. However, since there have been a handful of sightings over [the past few decades] of gemstones with potentially harmful radiation, we are taking the prudent step of reminding all AGTA members that if they handle deep blue topaz, they should do their own radiation checks".
Government rules affect darker color blue topaz, as some light blue topaz is LINAC (linear accelerator) treated and had been exempt from the rules. NRC rules apply to treated gemstones. In coming months however, LINAC treated gems will face there own regulations including having an NRC license for the importation of blue topaz, red tourmalines, many beryls (except emerald,) kunzite and irradiated diamonds.
AGTA concluded that since blue topaz generates more than $1 billion in sales each year, expanded regulations increase the amount of business risk.
NRC rules require documentation of all irradiated gems, including a paper trail of sources, and AGTA members are encouraged to identify inventories by vendor and date of import. Older stock will have had radioactive decay, AGTA mentioned, and could be easier to sell or document as safe.
All new imports must be clearly identified by vendor and date, as should sales to manufacturers and retailers AGTA concluded. AGTA urged its membership to temporarily suspend importing such stones until the status and safety could be clarified.
We advise that you check with your Jeweler before purchasing.
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Comments
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Posted by: Abby on July 30, 2007 8:48 PM
Thanks for the kind words. What is the name of your diamond Internet website?
Posted by: Barry G. on July 30, 2007 9:40 PM
URGENT:
I purchased a blue topaz ring from a jewler which was going out of business in either San Francisco or Monterey about one month ago. I was accomapnying my husband on a buisness trip to California.
The topaz ring, which I have worn ever since I pruchased it, around the week-end of jUly 11 has changed from turquoise blue to an amthyst color-- and is in the process of turning purple as I wear it, now!
Do I have an irradiation problem? Is my ring radioactive???
Pleae repsond immediately to my email address: tsunami@tidalwave.net
Posted by: Carol R.B. Shumate on August 12, 2008 7:33 PM