Microscope Images

Pressing the scope against the surface of the medallion created visible noise and artifacting until the microscope light sensor was turned down. This is due to intense radiation bouncing off the microscope sensors, such sensors can be damaged by radiation if exposed for too long.

Cardboard outer cover showing microscopic white inclusions. Despite its appearance, the cardboard packaging is not radioactive.

Glossy surface of the plastic warranty card. Its surface is extremely scratched and looks like it has been scrubbed with an exfoliating brush. The card produces high levels of ionizing radiation.

The microscope zoomed as far as it will go on the warranty card. There is visual distortion and an array of colours that aren't noticeable without looking this close. This might be an effect of intense radiation hitting the microscope sensors.

High Resolution Close-Ups

Glossy (and dusty! it's got a static attraction for dust and particles) surface of the warranty card.

Reverse side of plastic warranty card. This side isn't as badly scratched.

A very brief snapshot of the warranty card hitting high levels on my Geiger counter. You can clearly see the surface scratches over the plastic of the card. Note that the box and medallion were moved far away during this reading, so this is just the card being detected.

This is the "meat" of the grossly irregular radiation levels. It distorts the microscope lens when close enough, has a rough texture but feels chalky and smooth overall. The design seems almost satanic; but I'm not really sure what it symbolizes! If somebody knows, you're welcome to contact me about it.

The levels shown here are just a snapshot, it can get as high as 1100 CPM in a burst. You need to remember that as this is likely a Thorium contaminant, it's mostly only leaking alpha particles and is not dangerous provided safe handling and hygiene is considered. Important note: Any beta or gamma radiation would primarily come from the decay products of thorium rather than the thorium itself. These types of radiation are more penetrating and can pose external as well as internal health risks. In such a small amount of thorium however this is unlikely.

Safety Notice

Please practice safe storage of any kind of harmful material. Sale or disposal of ionizing materials is strictly controlled and even illegal in some countries; check your national policies and stay informed so you can keep yourself and others safe from ionizing radiation.

Nuclear Energy Regulatory Bodies for your country:

Australia: Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)

Canada: Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)

Europe: (Multiple) Euratom Treaty, also covered by the Basic Safety Standards Directive (BSSD) but different bodies for each member state, for example The Netherlands is governed by The Dutch Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ANVS).

Japan: Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA)

Russia: Rosatom

USA: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

UK: ONR (Office for Nuclear Radiation)