What does irradiation do to a gemstone?

Irradiation is a process that specifically involves exposing gemstones to radiation, typically gamma rays or neutrons, in order to alter their color. This treatment takes advantage of the way radiation interacts with the atomic structure of certain minerals, effectively changing the electronic state of specific elements within the gemstone. As a result, colors can be enhanced or shifted, making the gemstones more visually appealing.

For instance, natural colorless diamonds can be transformed into a range of colors, while some other gemstones like topaz or quartz can also exhibit color changes through irradiation. The process itself does not significantly impact the hardness or clarity of the gemstone, nor does it stabilize its structural integrity. Instead, it is primarily focused on color enhancement, making it a valuable technique in the gem industry to improve the aesthetic aspects of colored stones.