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#73798, Fluorite over Siderite,
(West Pastures Mine), Weardale District, England (c) $125
Older collectors are often afraid of collecting radioactive minerals because
they lived through the Atomic-bomb era when people were building bomb shelters
in their back yards and the cold war was at it's peak. But collecting radioactive
minerals is possible and safe if you remember these key factors:
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Distance is your friend. Radiation exposure falls at the square of the distance.
Therefore the dose received at 4 inches is 1/16th of the dose at 1
inch.
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Radon gas is generated by decaying radioactive minerals and is the main health
concern. Keeping the radioactive specimens in Tupperware actually concentrates
the radon gas in the container. Be careful not to breathe in as you open
the container.
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The good news is that radon is heavier than air. If you have a basement in
your home, then it is possible for the radon to accumulate there. Most homes
built where there is granite bedrock have radon expulsion systems that actively
vents accumulated radon to the outside.
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The dose of radon from your small specimens is not much more than is generated
by granite kitchen counters in a standard home.
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If you had some REALLY HOT specimens like a large torbernite or cuprosklodowskite
then I would advise storing them in your garage where radon gas is dispersed
outside and your distance from them is largest.
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Do not ingest radioactive minerals - even accidentally. Breathing in dust
from decomposing specimens or eating food after handling radioactive minerals
is dangerous. Dispose of decomposing specimens (like autunite from the Daybreak
Mine in Washington). Wear disposable gloves (available at any hardware store)
when handling radioactive minerals.
I prefer to mount radioactive minerals in Perky-style display boxes. I handle
them once during mounting, then never touch the mineral again, instead handling
only the display box. The box also has the benefit of blocking alpha and
beta radiation.
John H. Betts, 10/9/2018
Click here to read past news and
commentaries...
Customer Comments:
"We received from you a specimen of Pyromorphite from Phoenixville. It
has got to be the most magnificent specimen of this species we have ever
seen. The photos on your website did not do it justice." M. Martin in
UK.
"Some months ago, we asked if you could obtain for us a specimen of Fluorite
from Illinois. We left you to it knowing that sooner or later you would come
up with the goods. And you certainly have. It is an absolute magnificent
Fluorite and we can't thank you enough for going to all that trouble to obtain
it for us." Marie...
"Thank you John! I just added two nice Diamonds from the North Cape Province,
South Africa to my collection. John's service is impeccable! My new prized
specimens were described honestly and photographed perfectly. I am a very
happy collector! For everyone seeking to buy collection grade (or jewelry
grade) Diamonds, John Betts fine minerals in New York is the place to go!"
Michael P.
Click here to see other comments about
this site by customers. Also add your feedback...
Pledge to My Customers:
Customer satisfaction is my primary goal. I pledge:
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New minerals will be added to this site every week.
-
All minerals offered will be naturally crystallized specimens - no fakes,
no dyes, no irradiation, no crystals glued on matrix.
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Only the exact item pictured on the site will be shipped - no substitutes.
-
Photographs will accurately represent each item - no exaggeration, enhancement
or retouching flaws.
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Mineral species and localities will be accurately listed on labels with each
specimen.
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All items will be shipped via US Postal Service, usually the next business
day after the order is finalized.
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Each mineral will be individually wrapped and carefully packaged to prevent
damage during shipping.
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All historic labeling, if available, will be included with each mineral.
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Returns are gladly accepted. No questions asked, no explanation necessary.
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All customer information will be kept confidential and never shared or sold.
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I will continue to freely share my knowledge with others and contribute
to the study and appreciation of minerals.
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All mineral specimens have a lifetime guarantee: if the mineral species was
incorrectly identified, I will refund the cost of the original purchase &
shipping, the cost return shipping and the cost for testing.
John H. Betts, owner
Mineral dealer since 1989, mineral collector since 1967
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