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Irradiated Gemstones: Update
We recently blogged on the possible danger of Irradiated Gemstones and noted that several retailers, most notably Stuller and Sterling Jewelers have stopped selling irradiated precious gemstones.
Now comes word from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of their recent test results on several large batches of irradiated Blue Topaz in which they found no evidence of any health threat or safety issue.
Eight of the nine batches of gems, which averaged around 500 carats each, showed only background levels of radiation, while one registered at "twice background."
Background levels refer to radiation that is picked up merely because a survey meter is turned on because there are already low levels of radiation present in the atmosphere. By measuring "twice background," it implies that there are low levels, but nothing that would be considered dangerous or hazardous to health.
Jewelers, are however, still very concerned as to whether their existing stocks of precious gemstones may contain levels of irradiation that pose a significant risk. To this end, the NRC has indicated that they will continue to do random irradiation testing of Precious gemstones and will set up a program with Jewelers to test samples of their gemstone stock.
Stay tuned.
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Comments
" A diamond is forever "
Kinda like radiation.
Posted by: Anonymous on August 11, 2007 5:13 AM