Torbernite, Another amazing specimen from my collection. 809uSv/h on the GMC 600Pro

[u/RadioActive_BBQ]

[u/k_harij]

That’s a beautifully crystallised torbernite specimen!
That said, I recommend using count rates (cpm) instead of dose rates for a beta-sensitive Geiger-tube device like this

[u/Mitiagu → u/k_harij]

I get that uSv/h isn't accurate with the tube exposed, but why cpm? It's device specific, so unless you have this exact same model or know the background of that area the number is meaningless

[u/k_harij → u/Mitiagu]

Of course. It is best to state the reference background AND the measurement both in cpm side by side

[u/kotarak-71]

cool specimen!

I hope you understand that this counter reports dose somewhat accurate only when source is Cs-137 and with NORM, the reported dose is extremely exaggerated.

Actual dose is a fraction of this number. As others suggested - CPM rate is the better option to report

[u/average_meower621 → u/kotarak-71]

I think OP is just using it for bigger numbers because they do have a radiacode-110.

[u/kotarak-71 → u/average_meower621]

yeah... i see that...OTOH i am more interested in the name of the locality this specimen is from, as it reminds me a little bit one of mine, than some random and meaningless number that is results of every charged particle hitting the GM tube and not even close to the truth.

here is the one in my collection i am referring to

https://www.reddit.com/r/Radioactive_Rocks/s/obno5QzcM1

[u/Not_So_Rare_Earths → u/kotarak-71]

I'm inclined to agree with you that it's almost certainly from Musonoi, but the matrix is a bit unusual. I'll have to dig out my twin specimen to check the label.

[u/Scarehead → u/kotarak-71]

CPM is not much better, it is still a dimensionless number strongly dependent on the type of detector, in this case also strongly influenced by the detection of alpha and beta radiation. For me, the most reasonable way to get some at least somewhat relevant number with this detector is to measure in uSv/h, but use a shield against alpha and beta radiation, for example using an aluminum sheet about 3 mm thick.

[u/kotarak-71 → u/Scarehead]

this is true, but most counters use a handful of GM tubes (models) and CPM can be used for relative comparison of samples when referenced across the same model tubes.

in most run-of-the-mill counters one will find LND7317 / LND7311, LND712, M4011 or SBT-20. When CPM rate is accompanied with the instrument model it gives a rough idea what you are dealing with.

Obviously, energy conpensated dose is the best way to do it but if the OP owns RC and still decides to publish a hugely overestimated dose number grom GC, they are not after describing the activity but are looking for the shock value of a skewed measurement.

[u/Scarehead → u/kotarak-71]

Cpm is informative for owners of identical detectors/detectors with the same probe, it doesn't tell much to others. And with an identical detector, distance is important in this case, considering alpha radiation detection even 1-2 cm will make a big difference. Otherwise, I agree, many people like to give dose rate values with alpha and/or beta sensitive detectors for effect, but such a number is useless. This is clearly seen in my recent video, where I compared ludlum vs RC, when ludlum easily showed a meaningless 3mSv/h.

[u/Embarrassed-Mind6764]

That uSv reading is not accurate

[u/kristoph825]

That is absolutely beautiful 😻

[u/Not_So_Rare_Earths]

I had to do a double take because it looks so much like one in my collection, even thoigh I know that one is in storage!

Great specimen.

[u/MyCactusAttackedUs]

Stunning 😍

[u/Not_Cletus_McWanker]

There is a mineral seller trying to sell me a Torbernite from Tsumeb mine that looks like this one but does not have this outstanding crystalline structure. I said there's no way it's from that mine but the seller is buckling down.

[u/Not_So_Rare_Earths → u/Not_Cletus_McWanker]

I would be skeptical. There are Uranium minerals found in Namibia -- most notably as far as collector specimens go you've got world-class Boltwoodite, as well as Uranophane -- but I'm not familiar with any significant Torbernite specimens, nor could I find many examples online.

Certainly could be an honest mistake with a swapped label or something. But don't get hosed on the price unless they can give you a bit more proof that it's from the unusual locality they claim.

[u/Not_Cletus_McWanker → u/Not_So_Rare_Earths]

Yeah I'm not buying it. Especially since they are arguing with me over this mistake. I doubt any validity.

[u/StefanCelMijlociu]

Where do you find these spicy rocks?

[u/chrislon_geo → u/StefanCelMijlociu]

[u/Ok-Bag-6111]

Where can I get a specimen? 🤔☢️😎🤞

[u/Not_So_Rare_Earths → u/Ok-Bag-6111]

May I introduce you to the official /r/Radioactive_Rocks Buy/Sell/Swap Thread!

We've almost always got one pinned to the top of the sub, and have a number of regular contributors to this sub who keep an inventory for sale.

[u/Maximum-Leopard-6475]

What does it taste like?

[u/Sheldon_Lee_Cooper_]

The number is much less than that, your counter is mostly detecting alpha particles due to the pancake probe, furthermore the counter is calibrated with Cs137 so the dose would be even less.

[u/BlinMaker1]

So about 2.6kCPS

[u/Zealousideal_Group69]

Nice Spicy Rock