ML20148S047

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Partially Withheld Paper Recommending Position NRC Should Take Re Distribution of Radioactive Gems Irradiated in Reactors to Unlicensed Persons
ML20148S047
Person / Time
Issue date: 10/05/1987
From: Stello V
NRC OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS (EDO)
To:
Shared Package
ML20148R249 List:
References
FOIA-88-125, TASK-PINV, TASK-SE SECY-87-186A, SECY-87-186A-01, SECY-87-186A-1, NUDOCS 8804150339
Download: ML20148S047 (31)
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{{#Wiki_filter:_. _ _. 4 ') ,f "*% / POLICY ISSUE Oc2ober 5,1987 (Notation Vote) srcy.87-18sx F,o r: The Comissioners From: Victor Stello, Jr. i Executive Director for Operations i

Subject:

DISTRIBUTION OF RADt0 ACTIVE GENS IRRADIATED IN REACTORS i TO UNLICENSED PERSONS (FOLLOW-UP TO SECY-87-186)

Purpose:

To answer the Connission's questions raised in response to SECY-87-186, and to request Comission approval of staff { reconnendations regarding the radioactive gemstone issue. Category: This paper covers a minor policy issue regarding application and enforcement of NRC regulations. However, it relates to two major policy issues: d regulation of ra.e minimis quantities of radioactive material and cicactive consumer products. fssue: What regulatory position should NRC take with respect to radioactive gemstones?

Background:

In SECY-87-186, dated July 28, 1987, tne staff informed the Comission of its plans to step distribution of neutron-radia ees in the U.S. from both U.S. and f i reactors. 'the Sta f f remen randum dated ugust 25, r !d a more ,comprehansive paper. This caper provides a more comprehensive analysis of the gemstone issue. Additional discussion of specific questions and concerns raised by the Comissioners is provided in Enclosure 1. Additional infomation recentl received from the American Gem Trade Association on'the'ygenstone industry is provided in Enclosure 2. The radioactive gemstone issue was not raised internally by the staff. It was raised by reactor licensees and others. Some were interested in entering the business; others questioned whether NRC had authorized distribution of radioactive gemstones. On the surface, the issue appears to be trivial, but it has escalated into a significant regulatory dilema. The issue relates to CONTACT: John Hickey, NHSS 42-74;48 gAWe p

l The Connissioners 2 several difficult regulatory areas, including de minimis quantities, "frivolous" consumer products, imp 7o ts from foreign countries, and economics. Because a multi-million dollar industry is involved, several interested reactor licensees and other parties have complained to the staff of unfair and incon-sistent regulation, and insist on an expeditious resolution. The staff has verified that two reactor licensees are irradiating topaz. Jhe University of Missouri is cistributing the gems in the U.S., and the University of Virginia is exporting the gems. The University of Missouri recently sutnitted a paper directly to the Comission explaining its position in favor of continued distribution; the University also recently applied for a distribution license. The staff has also received numerous reports of extensive imports of radioactive topaz from foreign suppliers, and reports of limited topaz irradiation in the past by other U.S. research reactors. We also have two applicants for distribution licenses, GA Technologies and Nuclear Theory and Technologies. Officials from these two companies complain that they are being economically penalized for complying with NRC requirements by requesting proper authorization prior to beginning distribution. in attempting to resolve this situation, the staff has weighed the uncertainties in health risk and our strict policy against the use of even small quantities of radioactive material in jewelry, against economic considerations, apparent inconsistencies in policies among different countries, end the lack of de minimis regulations. The staff also recognizes that development of a comprehensive de, minimis policy, revised consumer product policy, and appropriate rule changes cannot be accomplished in a short time. In the meantime, the staff seeks an expeditious solution to the complaint that licensees are being economically penalized for complying with NRC regulations. I Discussion: ,o ,s. j a y t-1.p.s.. , j}w}$. 4$$Ws.. c %.s e s4 p%; J . sg. m --,.,,.,.--,----+-------,.,,,._,,,_,,-,-,.____m,- y-w -.,_,_m .----__,.--,,c-w--.

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\\ A GP (",v__ d. 7. Victor Stello, Jr. Executive Director for Operations j!

Enclosures:

1 1. Staff Response to Coenissioners' i Questions 2. Data on Irradiated Gem Industry 3. Technical Issues Associated with Distribution of Radioactive Gees 4

7 Commissionerr' coments or consent should be provided directly to the Office of the Secretary by c.o.b. Thursday, October 22, 1987. Comission Staf f Office coments, if any, should be submitted to the Commissioners NLT Thursday, October 15, 1987, with an information copy to the Office of the Secretary. If the paper is of such a nature that it requires additional time for analytical review and coment, the Comissioners and the Secretariat should be apprised of when comments may be expected. D'ISTRIBUTION: Commissioners OGC (H Street) OI OIA GPA REGIONAL OFFICES EDO OGC (MNBB) ACRS ASLBP ASLAP SECY e 9 4

AGiA en# l Mr. Richard E. Cunningham August 19,1987 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555

Dear Mr. Cunningham,

i Enclosed please find a comprehensive report on the current state of the irradiated blue topaz market. This overview was requested by Stanley Lisuk of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Region 3 durm ga phone conversation last month with Mr. Ray Zajicek, former president of the American Gem Tmde Association. Mr. Za'icek completed the drafting of this repon and left it'at our Dallas H arters for typin6 on the day he was leaving on a two week l vacation. H has given me mstructions and authority,d a copy as Executive Director of AGTA, to sign the report for him and forwar you. Thanking you in advance for important and timely information.your most immediate attention to this rel, N Pe R. Willett, Executive Director American Gem Trade Association w m u. se e. % om % su.ini

  • s..-

AGTA -e Mr. Stanley 12suk August 18,1987 Nuclear Regulatory Commission Region %ree 799 Roosevelt Road Glen Allen,IL 60137

Dear Mr. Lusak:

Please excuse the delay in sending this report on the domestic and intemational irradiated blue topaz market. When we spoke a few months ago it seemed a relatively simple task to compile a few facts and figures about one small facet of the gemstone industry. As I began asking questions and followin,g suggested leads, however, the global picture focused into an entirely different perspecuve. It became apparent that over the last four to five years irradiated blue topaz has become a major factor, possibly even a mainstay of today's gemstone andjewelry industry. In fact it may be rnore accurate to describe blue topaz as a sub-industry within the international colored gemstone and jewelry industries. nis letter would still be weeks away from com >letion had it not been~for the fact that I was assisted by Roland Naftule, President of the Laternational Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), an organization representing the major gemstone suppliers and exporters throughout the world. durjob was facilitated greatly by our attendance at the Jewelers of America trade show in New York last month, nere we had the op>ortunity to suivey producers, distributors, and manufacturers from around the wor. d who were exhibinng at the show. Also entailed in this research project were numerous telephone conversations, both domestic and international. Our mterviews included: MINE OWNERS and ROUGH EXPORTERS from Africa and Brazil OWNERS OF CUTTING FACTORIES in Asia and Brazil. IRRADIATION PROCESSORS from Europe and North America. WHOLES ALE DIESTRIBUTORS and JEWELRY MANUFACTURERS from Asia, Brazil, Euro >e and North America. MAJOR RETAILERS from America, Brazil, and Europe. WM O GGW449M % WM the @rM et OM $@ ee4N %Mg $ $$1

Page 2 to Mr. Lasuk 'Ihe figures resulting from our survey are mind boggling. In trying to theorize the "why" of the blue topaz market phenomena, one must have a broader understanding of the colored gemstone industry. Natural blue topaz has been on.the market for many decades. Occuring in areas with high concentrations of uranium or other radioactive minerals, iu light blue color is the result of natural low level irradiation. With the discovery in the late 1970's that man induced high level radiation could impart various shades of blue to most white topaz, an enormous potential market opened up. Traditionally, blue is one of the most popular colors in fashion from clo hes to cars tojewelry. Previously, however, there was linuted availability and accessibility for blue gemstones; AQUAMARINE - generally a medium to light pastel color, almost c'olorless in smaller sizes. Darker and larger stones are rare and very expensive. NATURAL B.LUE TOPAZ - only available in the same lighter colors as aquamarine. Less expensive than aquamarine but also so rare that there was not sufficient supply to establish a market. INDICOLITE (BLUE TOURMALINE) - fine shades of blue are found in small and large sizes, but this gemstone is so rare as to be almost unknown in the world market. In the nicest blue tones it is very expensive due to the limited supply. IIOLIll!- also known as "water sapphire," this gem type offers little consistance of color and generally occurs in very str'all sizes. S APPHIRE the most aeknowned and popular of all blue gemstones, but prohibitively expensive for the general public. SPINEL - this gem occurs natually in almost every color of the rainbow. Pure blue, however. is one of the scarcest ofits varieties and is almost non-existant in sizes over 1 carat. Fine blue stones are collectors items and are as expensive as they are unique. 21RCON - a very soft stone, it is easily scratched when wom as jewelry. Certam types of brown zircon can be heat treated to a pleasant light to medium blue color. Unfortunately the results from heating are very erratic and unpratictable. No one has ever been able to produce a dependable enough supply to create a solid market. Enter IRRADIA~ll!D BLUE TOPAZ a durable gemstone which offers the market virtually unlimited quantities of every shade of blue imagmable in sizes ranging from 0.10 carat to 1,000 carats at extremely affordable prices. It works perfectly for the price. point concious catalog companies using smaller sizes of the gemstone for inexpensive mass prodoced jewelry and it isjust as attractive to the "carriage trade" manufactureres who use enormous quantities of 10 to 20 carat standard sizes for their high. fashion but affordably priced lines. With these considerations it is not really such a mystery that this product has become such an international hit so quickly. For the gemstone and jewelry industry the timing of blue topaz's market entry could not have been better.

l e a Page 3 to Mr. I male In the early 1980's the pmduction increased dramatically. De resulting popularity and growing public consumption came at a time when the jewelry industry was in the depths of economic depression. Many wholesalers and manufacturers even allude to the fact that blue topaz was their "salvation" during the hard times. Today, with the market recovering to a reasonably healthy state, blue tc.paz continues to flourish. It surpasses almost every other gemstone in retailjewelry sales (see enclosed National Jeweler article.) Even corundum dealers, who heretofore worked exclusively with ruby and sapphire, are now becoming a force in the blue topaz market because it has proved itself to be an extremely liquid commodity that can be sold worldwide in enormous quantities. Obtaining prices and accurate information for this overview was imxded somewhat by the competitive and rcprietary nature of the industry. Roug.1 sources and ? prices, irradiation facilities, formu as, costs, quantities, and customers are all closely guarded pieces of information that each producer believes gives the advantage over the competinon. Rus we compiled our facts and figusts from various sources at each level of production and calculated by consensus and averages. To quickly review the results of our study we have prepared a chart summarizing the more salient information: Summary chart of informatio'n about the blue topaz industry est. number of est. % of est. int 1 yearly est. Int 1. yearly approx. U. S. peopleinvolved yearlyincome weight volume do!!ar volume ' market share MDmo 4,000 95 % 200 Tons $15 Million r.ot applicable CUTnNO 10,000 95 % 6,000 Kg $20 Million not applicable i COLOR PROCESSINO 200 75 % 6,000 Kg $15 Million 40%

  • N BLUETOPAZ DtSTRIBtmON 1,000 30 %

5,000 Kg $125 Million 35%

  • I WHOLESALE JEWEULY MANUFACTURJNG 10,000 30 %

4,000 Kg $200 Million* dO% AND SALES RETAILSALES 10,000 15/20% 3,000 Kg $300 Million' 50 %

  • blue topaz gall; gold and dsamonds not inicuded
  • until last year these Ggwes exceeded 95 %

Page 4 to Mr. Lusak ne vertical classifications describe each phase of production to which any piece of topaz is subjected from digging it out of the ground until it is surrounded by gold and diamonds and purchased for the happiness and pleasure of the consumer. To give an idea of the global nature of this market, below are listed the countries which play the largest part in each respective stage of the product's development: j MINING - Australia, Brazil, India, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka CUTTING - Brazil, China, Ge'rmany, Hong Kong, Korea, Sri tanka, Taiwan, and nailand COLOR PROCESSING - Australia, Brazil, Canada, China.(7), England, Germany, India (7), Sweden, Switzerland, and U. S. A. (Note: (?) indicates strong possibility, but no hard evidence.) BLUE TOPAZ WHOLES ALE DISTRIBUTION - England, German, y, Hong Kong, Hailand, and U. S. A. WHOLESALE JEWELRY MANUFACIVRING AND S ALES - Brazil, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Taiwan, Dalland, and U. S. A. RETAIL - all countries that sell retail jewelry De time frame conceming this production cycle varies greatly depending on the j season, the size of the operation and whether the goods are for general stock or to fill special orders. For your purposes the most*important consideration must be the time between the gemstones' release from the reactor' facility to the time a piece of blue topaz Jewelry becoun an adomment for the consumer. We assume ibat the topaz is color treated'in its rmished faceted and lished state, as we understand is the case at American and European facilities. Obvious!,if the material were irradiased in its rough or xeformed state there would be add complications l in terms of quan:ities handled arx resic ual waste and sludge during the cutting. Once the topaz has been irradiated it is held by a licensed facility to cool down to the appropriate levels of activity for release to the producer according to the regulations to i whic 1 that facility is subject. Depending on the material and the process used the holding period could be from six weeks to two, years. Generallyproducers wait for enough material to cool so that they can receive between one and ttu kilograms per batch. Den the stones are sorted for breakage, size, i shape, and color quah Finally, they are packaged for distribution. On the average we 'j estimate that between 250 and 400 carats per day can be properly sor:ed, classiSed, and 4 packaged by each employce. A given kilogram ofirradiated blue topaz will stay with the I) producer a..t.,, + of eight to 8 to 14 weeks for preparation and sale. o ne next level of distribution is the wholesale gem dealer. Depending on the company's size and the time of year, blue topaz purchases are made in the range of 0.25 to 5.0 Kg per toonth in addition to numerous other gems types with which they work Small quantities of the secoes are canied out on the road as samples, but the bulk of the wholesaler's inventory is kept locked in the office vault awaiting orders for specific sizes and shapes from the manufacturing customers. On the average, a kilogram of blue topaz takes adcast 6 to 12 weeks for a good wholesaler to distribute. i

Page 5 to Mr. Lusak Typical blue sopaz mail shipments to manufacturers are from 0.01 Kg to 0.5 Kg. When the goods are received they are dispensed, along with other gem types used in the same line, to the goldsmiths and setters for fashioning into the finished pieces of jewelry. A good setter might handle t&wi five and fifty gemstones a day (not necessarily all i topaz) according to the stone's size and. shape and the type of mounting. Completing this evolution from gemstone to jewelay, a topaz will finally be sent out to fill a retailer's order about 4 to 10 weeks after bems purchased by the manufacturer, j Once the piece has arrived at the retailer's, the turnover rate is extremely sporadic. During the Christmas season the blue topaz treasure may be sold within a week or two. If it sits in the off. season showcase, however, the same topaz might not find its permanent home from 6 to 9 months or more. Between each of these stages we must add a conservative one week shipping and handling time. By avera ' g the time periods reguired during each phase of production, we estimate that the ty ' delay r: quired for an irradiated blue topaz to reach a retail jeweler's showcases ai er being released from a laboratory is approximately 30 weeks. Then from the showcase to the consumer could take from I week to 1 year. Referring back to the chart, the horizontal headings demonstrate a quantitive idea of the magnitude and M impact of the irradiated blue topaz markee ES11MA'IED NUMBER OF PEOPLE INVOLVED - these figures do not overlap. Miners de not do cutting, cutters do not do color processing, etc. To summarize, our best estimates indicate ths the intemational blue topaz industry significamly affects the livelihood of syr #==ly 35,000 people. e ES11MA*IE % OF YEARLY INCOME.- shows to what extent the participants in each phase of phidepend u the topaz industry for their subsistance. The most notable figures are at the mirung cutting level where approximately 14,000 people would effectively have no means of support without this market. By extending these figures to include the a aers' and cuners' immediate families there are in excess of 56,000 lives fC/ ependee:on the topaz industry. d ES11 MATED WEIGHT VOLUME - The weights diminish from one stage to the next because we have allowed for breakage, loss and unsold inventory during a twelve month period. The yearly volumes also take this iato account. ES11 MATED YEARLY DOLLAR VOLUME - these figures do not overlap at any stage. New money is beiny exchanged between the countries as the topaz passes through each stage of W herefore,'considering only the gemstones, excluding the diamonds ar4 gold ased in the mountings, this is a $675 million per year industry. ESTIMATED U.S. MARKET SHARE - until recently American knowhow and technology allowed U.S. producers to control almost 100% of the processing and wholesale disnibution of blue topaz. Last year most domesde irradiation facilities were forced to i se release of irradiated topaz while the NRC decides its official position on the subject. yessible fines and/or penalties, many laboratories stopped ~ production ahogether. To protect their heavy long range investments and commitments most producers took their technology abroad and began workicS with foreign irradiation facilities and whoissaiers.

Page 6 to Mr. Lusak Today the tables have tumed. American gem dealers and manufacturers must buy l 60 to 70% of their blue topaz from foreign partnerships while U.S. producers have very I litde product to sell a: home or abroad. j ne decline of America's share of this immense market is tongibly accelerating at an astonishing rate. As the U.S. sales figures are now decreasing on a weekly basis, there is one glaring question that greatly concerns the AGTA and the American jewelry industry as a whole: why is the NRC taking so long in aniving at a responsible decision to give us guidelines whereby our industry can act ami compete internationally? ne U.S. production advantage i.s history as our technology and knowhow lias been sold out. However, if this government agency continues to delay its decision our own producers and wholesalers will no longer even maintain an equal hand in the world market. I have been told that the NRC feels no urgency to take a favorable position because it considers the color erihancement of gemstones a "frivolous" use of energy. If the hard j line negative position is taken, perha n someone at the NRC would like to explain that attitiude to the 14,000 families who c epend on a healthy blue topaz market for their survival. Considering that this industry generates in excess of one half billion dollars per year, this indecision is actually adding to our country's cunent teade deficit problem. We are forfeiting what was once a lucrative source of foreign money while losing precious U. S. dollars by leaps and bounds to an overseas market which American ingenuity invented, developed and dominated for years. Where is the logie? Public safety cannot possibly be the issue.being considered in Washington. For more than 18 months the NRC has tacitly approved Region Bree's guidelines for the. wholesale release ofirradiated topaz. His was admitted at our November meeting with Mr. Hickey, Mr. Cunningham, et al. So the NRC has for quite some time, and without enforcing any specific licensing requirement, knowinalv allond the release of massive quantities of this irradiated by-product for domesoc rStribution and public consumption. Clearly Washington must have decided that your region's criteria for release presented so little public safety hazard that a special license was not even necessary. On the other hand I arn told that all research reactors have been directly prohibited from releasing any irradiated blue topaz without a specific license which as never been issued. Apparently there is some major confusion in Washington at the expense of our industry. Over the last five years, American entrepreneurs have invested tens of millions of dollars in the R&D and production of blue topaz. His money would never have been spent if there were any question of public safety or any inkling that production could be prohibited. i i

Page 7 to Mr. I.usak ne NRCs long standing implied approval of Region Three's release guidelines reassured American producers that theirinvestments were pnxected. There was no threat felt even by those working at facitilites that were temporari y restrained from releasing irradiated topaz while the NRC studied and drew up its official position. De producers understood delays with government agencies, but considering Region Three's approved activity, there was no doubt that the eventual outcome would be favorable, nerefore the long-range investments continued. Today the NRCs prolonged decision making is already becoming costly to our American producers in terms of ost profits. Hopefully, these delays do not indicate the >ossibility of an unfavorable decision. This eventuality would unquestionably force many J. S. tax paying business, lar3,e and small,into bankruptcy. His survey makes it obvious that blue topu is not a "flash in the pan" fad...it is here to stay. Whether the NRC makes up its mind now or in ten years, blue topaz will continue to be produced somewhere in the world to supply the enormeas demand. As long as our American >roducers' hands are tied a different but very serious safety risk is increased. Eventual y the technology will spread to underdeveloped countries (ifit has not already), where there is much less control over release criteria. He NRC, in its current mode of operation, is actually forcing this to happen. 5 If, as the rumors go, the NRC makes the mistake of halting all domestic topaz irradiation they might compound that error by banrdng the import of all blue topaz. C3nsidering the variety of other blue gemstones on the market, customs would have to open and check every packsge containing gemstones to make sure they weren't topaz in disguise. In fact this course of action would sirnply drive the industry underground, thereby drastically increasing the risk to public health beyond any acceptable level. If the NRC has the public's help in mind it is the immanent responsibility and obligation to make a timely decision and to issue relevant and safe guidelines' within which ourindustry can operase. The leading wholesalers and manufacturers are already aware of the safety considerations. IV ost of them have in house survey meters to check all blue topaz that + caters their office. Unfortunately, there is no standardization to the equiptunt and no established guidelines with which they can work. I am enclosing a copy of "'The Jewelry Industry Gemstone Enhancement & Man-l Made Product Information Guide" and a recent article from the L A. Times business 4 section. As these enclosures indicate, our associations are extremely concemed with and supportive of full disclosure of any and all gemstone color-enhancement techniques. AGTA members are already coding invoices to specify gemstones that have been treated in any way to ensure that the wholesale buyer and the consumer know exactly what ( they are getung. 4 t 4 ry_,-_.,-,_,,-r,m-

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Page 8 to Mr. Lusak As we have stated in our October,1986 letter to John Davis, Director of NMSS, and as we reiterated during subsequent correspondence and phone conversat ons to other i NRC officials, the AGTA and ICA stand ready and eager to nwnitor the market here and abroad. We have the means to make sure that all producers, importers, and wholesalers work within NRC standards and reguistions. Both of these orgamzations were conceived and founded for the specific purpose of bringing a new stabilly, responsibility, and professionalism to the gemstone industry. Now we look to you and the Washingon headquarters to give us something by which to accomplish these goals as they pertain to irradiated blue topaz. With best regards, Peggy Willett Executive Director American Gem Trade Association signing for Ray Zajicek Immediate Past President American Gem Trade Association cc: Mr. Robert Bemero Mr. Richard E. Cunningham Mr. John W. Hickey Mr. John G. Davis Hon. Lando W. Zech, Jr. Hon. Frederich M. Bemthal Hon. Thomas M. Roberts Hon. Kenneth M. Carr Hon. Kenneth C. Rogers Hon. Alan Cranston Hon. Pete Wilson

u,,, O 8 F 3 THE JEWELRY INDUSTRY GEMSTONE ENHANCEMENT MAN-MADE PRODUCT ~ 2:;;f.-l-INFORMATION GUIDE E.. L k = L J ~........... -. s b e

v N ? 2, 4.. &. _.. N-Foreword This information guide has been developed by a coalition of jewelrf industry leaders representing the associations listed below. Should you require any further information, please' contact: American Gem Soe'ety (AGS) 5901 West Third Street l.os Angeles, CA 90036 2898 (213) 936 4367 American Gem' Trade Auociation ( AGTA) - F Post Office Box 581043 i Dallas, Texas 75258 (214)742 4367 Jewelers of America. Inc. (JA) 4 1271 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10020 (212)489 0023 Jewelers' Viglience Committee (JVC) 1180 Avenue of the Arnericas, 8th Floor i New York, New York 10036 (212)S69 9505 Manufacturino Jewelers and Silversmiths 'of Amerlea. Inc. (MJSA) The Biltrnere Plaza Providence, Rhode Island 02903 (401)274 3840 ...n-..~.-- e y

i . -....... ~. ACKNOWLEnGEMENTS-1 We wish to thank the following people for their time and effort: Snep%'IAle Wiliam Boyajian Richard Krementi, Jr. Herbert Lew*ne RolandNakse William Preston, Jr. SvartRobinson M@aelRcman MathewRunci J:elWram n 88V 4M 2 Sunial thanks to C.R. Beesley and Robert Crowningshieldfor their technical assi:tance in preparation of these guidelines. Finally, we wish to recognize the important contribution C David Federmarr whose inidal work provided the format for this project. First Edition January 1987 Printed in the United States of Arr.2rica L Note

  • A Review Board, consisting of association representatives and laboratory technical advisors will meet from time to time to make necessary modifications to this tatustry guide, l

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v ...~ l TABLE OF CONTENTS EAGE INTRODUCTION 1 i i A. Definitions Enhancement 1 Symbols, General 1&2 Symbols, Specific 3&4 Example 2 B. Designations A. Frequency 2 8. Stability 2 C. Care 3 D. Multiple Enhancement 3 Techniques C. Gemstone Enhancement Information Column #1 Entries (General) 3 $sEs, Column #2 Entries (Specific) 34 D. Gemstone Enhancement 5 15 Information Chart E. Man Made Product Guide 16 F. Man Made Product 17 18 Information Chart ..>.s,. ....,.s....

INSTRUCTIONS Gemstone Enhancement $ Mon-Made Product ~ Inforrnation Guide To obtain copies of The Jewelry Industry Gemstone Following is a proposal to lmplement at the po. t of in Echancement and Man Made Product Information Guide or sale, a system whereby informat,on regarding

  • man-made i

c:nsumer information cards, please place your order, in product and the enhancement or non enhancement of each writing, to any of the National Associations listed on the gemstone is made known to the buying pubhc. It is a system preceding page. which is expandable based on future needs and discoveries. The tagging code, made up of one or two parts, is to be used by att whctesafe suppliers and retait merchants. Consumer _ information cards are presently available for the following gemstones: ENHANCEMENT: Any process other than cutting and Alexandrite Lapis-l.aruti polishing used intentionally to improve appearance Amber Nephrite (colortclarity), durability or availability of a Amethyst Onyx gemstone. Aquamarine Opal e Cats -Eye Pearl (Cuflured) The general category (tag code column it) requires that the l Chrysoberyl Peridot supplier provide one of three basic designations in order to I Citrine Ruby satisfy the minimum standard for the dsclosure of enharae. Colored Diamond Sapphire ments. Coral Spinet i Diamond Star Corundum A-The A symbol used alone it'tScales either a gemstone Emerald Tanzanite that is not currently known to be enhanced Garnet Topaz (aferandrite, garnet, etc.), or one that is so rarely lolite Tourmaline enhanced, that to give it an E symbol would mislead the Ivory Tsavorite Jadelle Turquoise public (i.e. colorless or near colorless diamonds that have not been laser drilled). Kunzite Zircon E-The E symbol indicales the gemstone is one that is often enhanced. The method and treouency are Ested on the chart. Sellers specifically responsible for the enhqncement must use :he tog code Ested in column #2.

  • Man Made. when used in this guide refers to synthetic, imitation, or assembled stones.

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Tg ENHANCEMENT CONSUMER CARE GEMSTONE Code Method Frequency Stability Care Specid AWice 1 2 Used Required SERM. 'W uise' Type E R trra6aled blue from pale pink. Rarely Poor Special Color fades b ight. Pink E H Hested from orangy colors. Occasionally Excellent Normal Yellow Green A Red A Yellow E R Produced by irradiation. Occasionally Good Normal CHALCEDONY Agate E O Oyed Usually Excellent Normal Onys (black) E O Oyed Usually Excellent Normal Carnelian E H.0 Heeled or dyed to produce Commonly Escellent Normal color. Jasper A Chrysoprese A CHWSOBERYL , Cats' Eye A Transparent Yarieties: Yellow A Brown A Green A CITRINE E H Produced by heating vanous Usua!!y Excellent Normal quartzes. ~~ GEMSTONE ENHANCEMENT INFORMATION GUIDE TM ENHANCEMENT CONSUMER CARE GEMSTONE D Method 1 2 Frequency Stability Cale Special AWice Used Required CORAL Black A Special Avoid chemicals, abrasives and Cosmetics. White E B Bleached Commonly Excellent Special Same as above. Pink A Orange A Special Same as above. Soecial Same as aoow ' Gold' E B Beached from black coral. Commonly Excellent Special Same as above. Red E D Oyed Rarely Good Special Same as above. DIAMOND Colorless A L laser drilled to improve occasionally Excellent Normal appearance. C Coated to disguise oil color. Rarely Fair to Special Will lose color with Good recutting, O(AMOND Colored E R trradiated and.'or heated to Occasional!y Excellent Normal Avoid heating treated induce fancy colors. grtens as they may lade.

GEMSTONE ENHANCEMENT INFORMATION GUl0E Tg ENHANCEMENT CONSUMER CARE M' GEM 5 TOE Method Frequency Stability Care Special AWice 1 2 Used Recuired i EneERAl.D E i O 04ed to 'rnprove appearance. Commonly Good Sp*cial Avoid temperature changes, chemgals, and ultra. sonic. 0 Dyed with colored oi. Occasionally Good Special Same as above. GAMETS Almandite A Demantoid A o Grossularite A i Pyrope A 4 Rhodotite A Spessartite A Tsavorite A M.MATTTE A KX.ITE A f 1 NORY & BONE E B Bleached to whiten and remove Commonly Very Good Special Avoid chemicals and discoloration, ultra sonic. I 0 Oyed for artistic purposes. Occasionally Good Special Same as above: GEMSTONE ENHANCEMENT INFORMATION GUIDE TM ENHANCEMENT CONSUMER CARE D' GEMSTONE Method Frequency Stability Care Special Advice 1 2 Used Recuired JAOE Jadeite E O Oyed to imitate natural colors. Commonly Gaod Special Avoid strong light, chemicals and ultra. s onic. Nephrite A 0 Dyed to aRet color or for Rarely Good Special Avoid chemicals. artistic purposes in carving. KUNZ!TE A l LAPIS LAZUU E 0 Dyed to provide color and Occasionally Good Special Avoid chemicals and uniformity. ultra sonic. l Impregnated with wu or oil Occasionally Good Normal to irnprove appearance. WALACHITE A Special Avoid chem' als and c abrasives. MOONSTONE A n r.

GEMd(Gr4E Ettrut<CEt,1EtaI st4F0Hr.1hilota uulot Tag ENHANCEMENT CCNSUMER CARE GEMSTOME D Method Frequency Stability Care Specid Adice 1 2 Used Required CPAL Black or Gray A O CGed to hide cruing. Rarely Fair Special Avoid heat, chemkaJs and uhra sons adh j all opals. I impregnated with plastic to Rarely Gaod Normal Same as above, hide cruing. Boulder A O Oiled to hide cruing. Rarely Fair Normal Same as above. I imptegnated mth plastic to Rarely Good Normal Same as above. hide cruing. White A 0 Dyed with colored plastic. Rarely Good Normal Same as above. O Oiled to hide cruing. Rarely Good Special Same as above. I Irnpregnated with plastic to Rarely Cood Normal Same as above. hide cruing. GEMSTONE ENHANCEMENT INFORMATION GUIDE Tg ENHANCEMENT CONSUMER CARE GEMSTONE D Method Frequency Stability Care Special Advice 1 2 Used Required OP AL (continued) Watrix A 0 Specal type takes dye to Commonly Fair Special Avoid repolishing j appear black. or recuttsg. i PEARL Natural E B Bleached to improve color Commonly Encellen. Special Avoid cosmeties and and appearance, hcusehold chemicals. 0 Dyed black. Rarely Good Special Same as above. Cultured E B Bleached to improve color Commonly Cood Special Same as above, and appearance. 0 Dyed to gNe rosy tint. Commonly Good Spuial Same as above. Dyed blue and blad. Occasionally Good Special Same as above. R trradiated to produce blue occasionalty Good Special Same as above. and gray colors. PERIDOT A Special Avoid sudden temper. ature changes. o

Tg ENHANCEMENT CONSUMER CARE s GEnETOME M Method Frequency Stability Care Special Advice 1 2 Used Recuired ppcot387E A i famy E H Hessed to *vrprove color and Commonly Excellent Norn,st J appearance. 0 Dyed with colored oil to Rarely Fair Special Avoid household chem. improve appearance, icals and ultra sornc. F Surface cavities filled with Rarely Fair to Special Foreign malerial is a foreign material includeng Good fragile and may fall glass. out. U Diffusion of color on surface Rarely Good Special Avoid repolishing or or surface uterism, recutting. j i l SAPPteRE E (All colors) H Healed to produce or intensify Usually Etcellent Normal color; make color uniform. or to lighten stAes. U Oiffusion of color on surface Rarely Good Special Avoid repolishing or or surface asterism (blue only) recutting. r e GEMSTONE ENHANCEMENT INFORMATION GUIDE Tg ENHANCEMENT CONSUMER CARE GEMSTONE M Method Frequency Stability Care Specia! Advice 1 2 j Used Recuired SAPPMRE (Cor@ved) R trradiation of yeDow stone to Raiely Very Poor Special Fades quickly in Eght. provide temporary int 6nse ~ l yonow or orange color. SERPENTINE E 0 Dyed various colors. Commonly Cw! Normal 3 SCOAUTE A SP1NEL A TANZANITE E H Heated to produce violetMue Usually Excettent Special Avoid sudden temper. color. ature changes. TOPAZ.stue E R trradiated and heated to Usually Excellent Normal produce color, i TOPAZ 4 Yellow / Orange E R trrad'.ated to intensify color, occasionalk Good Special Avoid heat and strong light. Pink E H Heated from certain brown Usually Excellent Normal stones.

venisi vnc carwovcalen. mr'.m.m own uvive Tag ENHANCEMENT CONSUMER CARE GEMSTONE D Method Frequercy StaMty Care Specid Advice 1 2 Used Reevired TOURMAUNE Chrome / A vanadaan Cats' Eye A Yellow / Orange A H Heated to improve color. Rarely Excellent Normal H Heated to improve color. Commonly Exce!!ent Normal R Irradiated to improve color. Occasionally very Good Normal Purp3w E H Healed to improve color. Occasionally Excellent Normal R trradiated to intensify color. Occasionally Very Good Normal D Stabilized with colorless Occasionally Very Good Normal bonding agent to improve durability and appearance. TUROUOtSE E P StabiUzed with plastic to Commonly Good Normal improve color and durability. GEMSTONE ENHANCEMENT INFORMATION GUIDE Tg ENHANCEMENT CONSUMER CARE GEMSTONE M Method Frequency Stasty Care Special Advice 1 2 Used Required TUROUOtSE (Continued) I impregnated with o0 or was Commonly Fair to Special Avoid hot water and to enhance color. Gaod household chemicats. 0 Oyed to 'enprove color. Rarely Poor Special Same as above. ZlRCON Yellow. Brown A . and Green Blue. Coloriens H Heated brown crystaJs Always Good Normal ' Avoid abrasives. and Red turn these colott under certain conditions.

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5 5g a u l 4 Cr ao 'e ea . i M AN M ADE PRODUCT GUIDE TYPE TAG DEF1NmON COMMON EXAMPLES CARE SPECIAL ADVICE REQUIRED Synthelle SS ' A laboratory grown material that Synthetic Alexandrite, Normal flaboratory exhibits essentially the same Amethyst. Emerald Normal grown) physical, optical and chemical Ruby, Scophire, Spinel Normal proporties as its naturally 3rconia/C@ic (a Normal occuring counterpart. diamond siinulant) Opal Special Avoid sudden shocks and tempe'afure changes, household chemicals, cosmetics and abrasnes. imitation MM I,aboratory grown material, other YAG Normal than glass and plasue, that is CDG Normal used to simulate the appearance, Strontium Titanate Special same as above, but not necessanly duphcate the proportes of a natural gemstone. YY Manufadured product, fabricated G! ass Soecial Same as above. In glass or plastic to imitale or Plastic Special Same as above. resemble the appearance, but not the characteristic properties of a natural gemstone. 9 1

L , TYPE TAG DEFINITION COMMON EXAMPLES CARE SPECIAL ADVICE RECUlRED Asambled ZZ Wutoie layers or combinations Opal (various combi. Special Avoid sudden shocks of manufactured ardor natural nations) and temperature malerie's fused, bonded, or Garnet / Glass Spacial changes, household othemse joined together to Sapphire / Synthetic Special chemicals, ccametics imkale the appearance of a Sapphire and abrasives with natural gemstone, create a unique Colorless Beryl / Green Special all assembled stem, de99n or ponerale unusual colos bonding andColoriess combinations. Berir Eg131 St ae synhetics imitate gemstones that do not have the same ootical, ph)1 cal and chemical composition. (e g. light blue synthetic spinel imnate aquamarine; light purpish synthete sapphire imnate natural alexandnte; dark blue syntehtic spinel imitate natural blue sapphire; brownish. red synthetic ruby imkate red garnets, etc.) .~~== y -. ~...-

Technical Issues Associated with Distribution of Radioactive Gems For the radionuclides normally contained in irradiated topaz, the exempt concentration limit is about 0.4 nanocuries per gram. The University of Missouri and GA Technologies have proposed release limits above our exempt concentration limits. The University of Missouri requested a release limit of about 0.6 nanocuries per gram, and GA Technologies requested 2 nanocuries per gram. The staff does not reconinend an exemption to allow distribution of gems to the public if they contain radioactivity above exempt concentration limits (i.e., licensable quantities). Section 32.11(c) prohibits radioactive material-in products designed for "application to a human being " but exemptions could be granted pending review of the issue, in light of the assumed low hazard involved. With respect to interim release limits for irradiated gems, the most straight-forward choice would be the exempt concentration limits, because they are already specified in the regulations. There is a question as to whether these limits would provide adequate health protection, because the regulations are over 20 years old and were not developed to protect against products which are worn for long periods of time in direct contact with the body. However, I the information currently available to the staff indicates that the current exempt concentration limits would provide adequate protection for gems. The staff would continue to gather data, and could impose a lower limit at a later date if necessary. The staff would also review the quality control procedures of applicants, to assure that screening methods were adequate to prevent release of gems with excess levels of radioactivity.}}

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