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Mineral of the Week
#80128, Galena with Quartz, Nikolaevskiy Mine, Dalnegorsk, Russia (SOLD)
News and CommentsAsbestos. Most people react in violent fear of the word. The same reaction is generated for "Radioactive". Is it safe to collect these minerals? Yes. Collecting minerals is safe, even for the types of mineral above. Asbestos causes asbestosis, a disease of the lungs, when short microfibers of this type of mineral are inhaled into the lungs. When asbestos is mined, the drilling and blasting generates the short microfibers. But a specimen sitting in your display cabinet is safe. However you should not grind it up into a fine powder and blow it around your room with a fan, then try some deep breathing exercises. Radioactive minerals are safe to collect too. Distance is your best protection against radioactivity, and it takes surprisingly little distance to be safe since the hazard drops by the square of the distance. The dose from being 6" away from a specimen is 1/36th the dose of being 1" away. Actually the biggest danger from radioactive minerals is the Radon gas generated via radioactive decay. This gas is heavier than air and collects in the lower parts of your home. Because it is a gas, it is easily inhaled where it can cause health problems. But if your home has good ventilation, you are safe. If your home passes a radon test, then you will be OK. If in doubt, store radioactive minerals in your garage. Other minerals are unsafe if ingested. If you have infants or pets that like to chew on things, prevent tjhem from ingesting any mineral specimen. Collecting minerals is a safe hobby. There is no reason to overreact. A little education is all it takes to understand minerals and safely handle them. John Betts, 4/13/2021 Click here to read past news and commentaries...
Customer Feedback:"I want to thank you for the natrolite specimen I received yesterday. It arrived in perfect condition. The care you took to package such a delicate specimen it was incredible, four layers of protection and stabilized in the inner box with mineral tack! Having recently moved my collection to a new house I understand the time it takes to carefully pack specimens. The care you took was really above and beyond reasonable expectations. Steven H." "On Tuesday this week we ordered (from the UK) a specimen of Prehnite from Upper New Street Quarry. This was posted by yourself the same day. It has got to be the most magnificent Prehnite we have ever seen and we cannot thank you enough for it. Also your excellent service and very fast delivery. We have had items sent to us from this country taking several days. Best wishes. Michele and Stuart" 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:
John H. Betts, owner
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