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Published June 1982 | public
Journal Article

Radioactive Irradiated Spodumene

Abstract

During routine testing, a parcel of spodumene imported from Brazil was found to be radioactive. Detailed analysis showed that individual stones had levels of gamma ray emission far above those acceptable for jewelry purposes. Gamma ray spectroscopy revealed that they had been irradiated with neutrons. The colors of these stones are similar to those observed in citrine and have no counterpart in untreated spodumene. They range from brownish orange through orange to orange-yellow and greenish yellow.

Additional Information

© 1982 Gemological Institute of America. Summer 1982. The authors thank Robert E. Kane, of the Los Angeles Gem Trade Laboratory, for bringing the irradiated spodumene to their attention and for providing the details regarding its initial discovery and testing.

Additional details

Created:
August 22, 2023
Modified:
October 26, 2023