More information on the NRC's rules for licensing consumer products for exempt distribution can be found on our website.įrequently Asked Questions on Irradiated Gemstones If you have additional questions about irradiated gemstones, you may find answers in the Frequently Asked Questions section below. But not all color-enhancing processes make gemstones radioactive. Exposing the stones in a nuclear reactor or treating them in an accelerator can make them radioactive. The key is that NRC regulations apply to gemstones that contain radioactive material. Subsequent distributors, jewelers, other retailers and consumers are exempt from NRC regulations. In other words, no license is needed to own or sell them. Once the radioactivity has decayed and the stones have been distributed, they are exempt from NRC regulations. These sophisticated surveys ensure no gems will be sold to the public unless the radioactivity is below levels that could pose health risks. Under the NRC license, a distributer must conduct radiological surveys before the stones can be put on the market. The NRC requires the stones to be set aside, typically for a couple of months, to allow any radioactivity to decay. Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulates the initial distribution of these gemstones. This process of irradiation can make the gems slightly radioactive. Diamonds and other precious gems may also be treated with radiation. Typically orange, topaz becomes blue after it has been exposed. Topaz is the most commonly treated stone. Some gemstones are exposed to radiation to enhance or change their color.
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