Radiation protection analysis for a rare mineral specimen

A particularly dramatic example of the mineral novacekite was recently sold at an auction. An overseas collector submitted the winning bid of $82,000. Novacekite incorporates natural uranium as a major element of its composition. The object was evaluated primarily to aid in design of an appropriate container for shipment to the buyer. This collectible item was found to contain approximately 40 microCi (1.48 MBq) of natural uranium and its progeny. After removal of the particulate component by a single sheet of 1.6 mm lead, the attenuation in lead of the remaining gamma spectrum was characteristic of 226Ra. A license was not required for this quantity of "source material." In addition to making recommendations regarding packaging and shipping, suggestions were also made to the seller regarding his safe handling of the object prior to its shipment.