Uranium ore (Yellowcake) emits gamma radiation. The Geiger counter reads 108,000 CPM through the plastic of the container.
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The count is reduced to 68,904 CPM through thin aluminium sheet
Uranium produces gamma radiation which can penetrate an aluminium sheet. Alpha and beta radiation are blocked by these.
Uranium glass marbles give a count of 1020 CPM. These are made from old fashioned glass that fluoresces under UV. Uranium glass was also used for bowls and other glassware as well as in Crookes tubes.
Tungsten welding rods can have 2% Thorium. The three thin rods here have a count of 564 CPM. The red end indicates thoriated tungsten. The thorium increases the high-temperature strength of tungsten electrodes and improves arc stability.
The antique watch face below has radioactive numerals. It is, or rather was, radioluminescent due to alpha waves from the radium. The emitted radiation, however, is gamma. It reads 240 CPM directly and around 120 CPM through thin aluminium. This should block all alpha and most beta. Background is around 60 CPM.
Fiesta ware, such as the hot pepper shaker below have uranium in the glaze. Accordingly they are gamma emitters.
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Photo Date: 2006