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| February 1998
Gemstones & Pearls: News RADIOACTIVE GEM ALERT! Dangerous irradiated cat's-eye chrysoberyl is circulating in world markets. Know what to look for Hundreds of dangerously radioactive cat's-eye chryso-beryls circulated through Asian markets this past fall, with levels of radioactivity more than 50 times the limit deemed acceptable in the U.S. The gems allegedly were treated at a nuclear facility in Indonesia and released "through the back door" before the radioactivity could dissipate. The high level of radioactivity in the gems could destroy white blood cells and cause skin cancer if worn for an extended period, according to announcements by Thailand's Office of Atomic Energy. Along with news alerts, Jeffrey Bergman, a well-known gem dealer in Thailand, used the Internet to make his own similar findings public. There have been reports of these stones reaching the U.S., so be on the lookout for suspicious chrysoberyl deals. Be suspicious if:
- by Robert Weldon, G.G.
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