What does it mean when a gemstone has been irradiated?

The gemstone irradiation is a process in which a gemstone is artificially irradiated in order to enhance its optical properties. As a result, the gemstone’s color may be significantly altered or the visibility of its inclusions may be lessened.

Are irradiated gemstones safe?

Irradiated gemstones are not harmful. Because they may be slightly radioactive immediately after their treatment, the NRC regulates the distribution of these products to ensure public health is protected. Any measureable radiation decays away within a couple months.

Can gemstones be radioactive?

Radioactivity in gemstones are a sensitive subject. Only a very few types of gemstones can be activated by certain irradiation techniques and emit radioactive radiation.

What does the NRC regulate?

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission licenses and regulates civilian use of nuclear energy to protect public health and safety and the environment. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) was established as an independent regulatory agency under the provisions of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C.

Which gems are treated with irradiation?

In today’s world, irradiation is routinely used to color a number of gemstones. Most notably, Diamonds, Beryl, Pearls, Topaz, Yellow Sapphire, Amethyst and Tourmaline. The process by which irradiation changes color is fairly straightforward.

Can you legally own radioactive material?

By regulation, the general public is allowed to order these materials without possessing a radioactive materials license, so vendors will sell these compounds directly to any customer. However, educational institutions are not allowed to possess more than 3.3 pounds of uranium or thorium at any one time.

What is considered radioactive material?

radionuclides or radioactive elements as they occur in nature, such as radium, uranium, thorium, potassium, and their radioactive decay products decay products The atoms formed and the energy and particles emitted as radioactive material decays to reach a stable form., such as radium and radon, that are undisturbed as …

How can you tell if a diamond has been irradiated?

Irradiated diamonds come in blue, green, canary yellow, or even pink as well as many other colors. Because this process is permanent, the G.I.A. will grade and certify irradiated diamonds and can also laser inscribe the diamond to notify any potential buyer that the diamond has been irradiated.

What is an irradiated crystal?

Irradiated Quartz are quartz crystals that have been irradiated by gamma rays to change the natural color of the specimens from clear/white to black. The enhancement process does not make these stones radioactive.

Are irradiated diamonds safe to wear?

The NRC has no reason to believe that wearing irradiated gemstones can be harmful. There have been no reported cases of anyone being harmed by wearing them or any other irradiated gems.