Amber Listserv / x-ray effect on gemstones

[Andrea Paysinger]

Do you have this article?

http://www.minsocam.org/MSA/collectors_corner/arc/gemxray.htm

I have two sapphire discs treated with x-rays.  These were intended  
for assay spectrophotometer optics but sustained small chips at the  
edges while on the polish lap.

I lent them to a friend who worked at Lawrence Livermore Lab who  
treated them.  I don't recall the details offhand and would have to  
dig out my notes (done before PCs were common).

Both lenses were colorless prior to x-ray treatment and now are a  
deep orange.  I do have to keep them away from sunlight because they  
will fade with exposure.

Andie