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Post by rockjunquie on Feb 28, 2015 19:10:02 GMT -5
I just had a concerned client ask me whether or not bumble bee was safe to wear. She has read all over the interwebz that it is not safe to wear. She has also read that it is safe to wear because people treat it or coat it with something. I told her that I never heard about a coating before and that I thought it was safe to wear but not to cab without a respirator. What do y'all think??
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Deleted
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Member since January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2015 22:20:13 GMT -5
I would say it's safe as long as she didn't eat it.lol.i know shotgunner posted up a whole list of toxic minerals and how much would need to be ingested to be poisonous.hope this helps.
Dave
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Post by deb193redux on Feb 28, 2015 22:44:50 GMT -5
the pieces polished near the mine do seem to be coated or acid polished or something. but i think it is for shine - not safety.
the stone could always be set with backing plate
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Post by rockjunquie on Mar 1, 2015 15:18:27 GMT -5
Thanks guys.  deb193redux I didn't know that it came from Indonesia coated. Before you, my client is the only one I heard mention that. I was thinking maybe it should be backed, too, but she said she likes to hold her stone pendants and rub the fronts, so it wouldn't help much. I think she is probably in the majority, too. I have heard so many people claim to touch their stones a lot. |
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Post by deb193redux on Mar 1, 2015 17:30:34 GMT -5
i bought two 5" wands that had nice scenes on 2 or more sides. they had med-gloss shine. i cut them into 3-4 preforms each. even wet, the look is not as good as what the miners did. this is why I think it may have had a thin coating.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,723 
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Post by Fossilman on Mar 5, 2015 10:24:18 GMT -5
Wear it!!! Thumbs up
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The Dad_Ohs
fully equipped rock polisher
Take me to your Labradorite!!
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,860
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Post by The Dad_Ohs on Mar 5, 2015 14:39:56 GMT -5
Bumble bee is noted to be toxic in it's raw form, and more importantly while being worked due to the possibility of dust, especially if worked without water!, that being said, once the material is polished, to a minimum of 14000, the stone is considered safe to handle.
However if you want to assure your client of safety, you could coat the stone with a wax based polish or even a very thin CA glue before polishing to completely seal it. I know of no one that has suffered any ill effects from wearing it once it has been worked. As a matter of fact the whole "danger rating" to this and most of the toxic materials you may work with have to to with "working" the stone, not wearing it.
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Post by rockjunquie on Mar 5, 2015 16:11:51 GMT -5
Bumble bee is noted to be toxic in it's raw form, and more importantly while being worked due to the possibility of dust, especially if worked without water!, that being said, once the material is polished, to a minimum of 14000, the stone is considered safe to handle. However if you want to assure your client of safety, you could coat the stone with a wax based polish or even a very thin CA glue before polishing to completely seal it. I know of no one that has suffered any ill effects from wearing it once it has been worked. As a matter of fact the whole "danger rating" to this and most of the toxic materials you may work with have to to with "working" the stone, not wearing it. Just as I had thought, too. I think that with the internet and so much info at people's fingertips, people will take a little info away from a source but, as Einstein said, “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” I think they get worked up when they don't know the whole story. I mean, I'm all for safety, but I don't think anyone will find a credible source that says don't wear finished bumble bee (or, fill in the blank) jewelry. |
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The Dad_Ohs
fully equipped rock polisher
Take me to your Labradorite!!
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,860
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Post by The Dad_Ohs on Mar 6, 2015 8:41:50 GMT -5
Bumble bee is noted to be toxic in it's raw form, and more importantly while being worked due to the possibility of dust, especially if worked without water!, that being said, once the material is polished, to a minimum of 14000, the stone is considered safe to handle. However if you want to assure your client of safety, you could coat the stone with a wax based polish or even a very thin CA glue before polishing to completely seal it. I know of no one that has suffered any ill effects from wearing it once it has been worked. As a matter of fact the whole "danger rating" to this and most of the toxic materials you may work with have to to with "working" the stone, not wearing it. Just as I had thought, too. I think that with the internet and so much info at people's fingertips, people will take a little info away from a source but, as Einstein said, “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” I think they get worked up when they don't know the whole story. I mean, I'm all for safety, but I don't think anyone will find a credible source that says don't wear finished bumble bee (or, fill in the blank) jewelry. The main thing to remember is that there is no "Safe" stone/material to work. Even the common agates that we find and work every day can lead to silicosis of the lungs without some kind of precaution. and believe it or not we, as lapidary people, are more likely to get sick from working the common stones, than from the exotics that we only touch for special orders. One of the main reasons that water is used so extensively on the cabbing machines and water/oil is used on the saws, is to help minimize the chances of breathing in excessive amounts of dust from materials we are working on. |
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barclay
has rocks in the head
Lowly Padawan of rocks
Member since November 2011
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Post by barclay on Mar 7, 2015 21:21:15 GMT -5
Here is a section from the MSDS for arsenic sulfide (the yellow/orange stuff) in bumble bee jasper. Decide if you would want this close to your skin getting sweaty.
V. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Effects of Exposure:
To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of arsenic sulfide have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.
Inorganic arsenic compounds are confirmed human carcinogens producing tumors of the mouth, esophagus, larynx, bladder and para nasal sinus. A recognized carcinogen of the skin, lungs, and liver. Poisoning from arsenic usually results from swallowing arsenic compounds; chronic poisoning from either swallowing or inhaling. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)
The heavy metal sulfides are generally insoluble and show little toxic action except through the liberation of hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide, if generated, is toxic, a severe irritant and flammable. Effects include conjunctivitis, headache, nausea, dizziness, coughing, pulmonary edema, and possibly death.
Acute Effects:
Inhalation: DANGER - POISON. Arsenic compounds can cause lung cancer. May be corrosive due to evolutions of hydrogen sulfide on contact with moisture. Hydrogen sulfide is highly irritating to the respiratory tract and may cause pulmonary edema. Exposure to high concentrations affects central nervous system and may be fatal.
Ingestion: DANGER - POISON. May cause acute arsenic poisoning. Ingestion may cause severe irritation and possibly be corrosive due to the liberation of hydrogen sulfide.
Skin: May cause irritation and skin abnormalities.
Eye: May cause irritation.
Chronic Effects:
Inhalation: May cause chronic arsenic poisoning, ulceration of the nasal septum, liver damage and cancer/disease of the blood, kidneys and nervous system.
Ingestion: May cause chronic arsenic poisoning, gastrointestinal disturbances, liver damage and cancer/disease of the blood, kidneys and nervous system.
Skin: May cause irritation, occasional ulceration, spotty pigmentation, dermatitis, skin cancer and keratoses (especially on soles and palms).
Eye: No chronic health effects recorded.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory disorders.
Carcinogenicity: NTP: Yes IARC: Yes OSHA: Yes
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
INHALATION: Remove to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek immediate medical attention.
INGESTION: Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water, DO NOT Induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, and wash area with soap and water, seek medical attention immediately.
EYES: Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
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Post by rockjunquie on Mar 7, 2015 21:25:16 GMT -5
Here is a section from the MSDS for arsenic sulfide (the yellow/orange stuff) in bumble bee jasper. Decide if you would want this close to your skin getting sweaty. V. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Effects of Exposure: To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of arsenic sulfide have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded. Inorganic arsenic compounds are confirmed human carcinogens producing tumors of the mouth, esophagus, larynx, bladder and para nasal sinus. A recognized carcinogen of the skin, lungs, and liver. Poisoning from arsenic usually results from swallowing arsenic compounds; chronic poisoning from either swallowing or inhaling. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials) The heavy metal sulfides are generally insoluble and show little toxic action except through the liberation of hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide, if generated, is toxic, a severe irritant and flammable. Effects include conjunctivitis, headache, nausea, dizziness, coughing, pulmonary edema, and possibly death. Acute Effects: Inhalation: DANGER - POISON. Arsenic compounds can cause lung cancer. May be corrosive due to evolutions of hydrogen sulfide on contact with moisture. Hydrogen sulfide is highly irritating to the respiratory tract and may cause pulmonary edema. Exposure to high concentrations affects central nervous system and may be fatal. Ingestion: DANGER - POISON. May cause acute arsenic poisoning. Ingestion may cause severe irritation and possibly be corrosive due to the liberation of hydrogen sulfide. Skin: May cause irritation and skin abnormalities. Eye: May cause irritation. Chronic Effects: Inhalation: May cause chronic arsenic poisoning, ulceration of the nasal septum, liver damage and cancer/disease of the blood, kidneys and nervous system. Ingestion: May cause chronic arsenic poisoning, gastrointestinal disturbances, liver damage and cancer/disease of the blood, kidneys and nervous system. Skin: May cause irritation, occasional ulceration, spotty pigmentation, dermatitis, skin cancer and keratoses (especially on soles and palms). Eye: No chronic health effects recorded. Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory disorders. Carcinogenicity: NTP: Yes IARC: Yes OSHA: Yes EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES: INHALATION: Remove to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek immediate medical attention. INGESTION: Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water, DO NOT Induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately. SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, and wash area with soap and water, seek medical attention immediately. EYES: Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Thanks for that! I think I'll send her this and let her decide. Do you have the link? |
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barclay
has rocks in the head
Lowly Padawan of rocks
Member since November 2011
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Post by barclay on Mar 7, 2015 23:05:43 GMT -5
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Post by thependantplace on Feb 19, 2020 16:28:50 GMT -5
I just had a concerned client ask me whether or not bumble bee was safe to wear. She has read all over the interwebz that it is not safe to wear. She has also read that it is safe to wear because people treat it or coat it with something. I told her that I never heard about a coating before and that I thought it was safe to wear but not to cab without a respirator. What do y'all think?? Bumblebee Jasper contains arsenic and IS toxic when worn next to the skin. I have chosen not make pendants from this gorgeous material until I can find a way to ensure the safety of the wearer from the poisons included in this material. |
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Post by rockjunquie on Feb 19, 2020 16:33:04 GMT -5
I just had a concerned client ask me whether or not bumble bee was safe to wear. She has read all over the interwebz that it is not safe to wear. She has also read that it is safe to wear because people treat it or coat it with something. I told her that I never heard about a coating before and that I thought it was safe to wear but not to cab without a respirator. What do y'all think?? Bumblebee Jasper contains arsenic and IS toxic when worn next to the skin. I have chosen not make pendants from this gorgeous material until I can find a way to ensure the safety of the wearer from the poisons included in this material. Welcome to RTH!
A soldered setting may be the solution. I just made some earrings of it, which I definitely think is safe, but, in general, I don't like to work with it and I absolutely will not cut it.
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Post by pauls on Feb 19, 2020 17:00:50 GMT -5
A triplet like they do for Opals could be the way to go with this, a backing of some hard material, a thin slice of bumblebee and a clear Quartz front. That way everything is pretty well encased.
Another way is to just set it all in clear resin.
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Benathema
has rocks in the head
God chased me down and made sure I knew He was real June 20, 2022. I've been on a Divine Mission.
Member since November 2019
Posts: 703
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Post by Benathema on Feb 19, 2020 18:02:53 GMT -5
Not quite sure why, but that link takes me to a Gold-Rhodium Alloy page. A different link: www.ltschem.com/msds/As2S3.pdfPermissible Exposure Limits: 0.5 mg/m3 as As, long-term value
Threshold Limit Value: 0.1 mg/m3 as As, long-term valueThat's very little compound for a cubic meter of air, like a grain of sand worth of material. Definitely want a good respirator there. Median Lethal Dose: 185 mg/kg for rat by mouth
936 mg/kg for rat by skinYou'd really have to be putting that in your mouth or go to town all over your skin with it. That said, I'm not sure I'd be comfortable wearing something like that daily without some coating on it. Disclaimer: Not a cabber, just a computational chemist. |
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jfancher111
off to a rocking start
Member since May 2021
Posts: 1
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Post by jfancher111 on May 14, 2021 0:23:26 GMT -5
Hello all,
Signed up to this forum a few minutes ago because i saw something that scared the shit out of me in this thread. A mention of acid treating, now I am going to look into this more, but in general you don't want to use acids on ANY sulfide, you run the risk of liberating hydrogen sulfide and at the same time rendering a more soluble salt of arsenic!!!!!!!!! As far as hydrogen sulfide goes, a whiff may knock you dead. please don't use acids with this material!!! a cursory search has some saying that you can get away with it, but if you're scared of an arsenic salt with low solubility like realgar, than you are shitting your pants about hydrogen sulfide!
on the flipside, when looking for LD50 type data on realgar, I find that it has been used in traditional chinese medicine!!!!
I like the doublet idea though!
Thanks for listening hopefully im just a crazy paranoid person. but also hopefully you dont go tossing a chunk into some sulfuric acid, in your basement.
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Post by amygdule on May 14, 2021 1:10:27 GMT -5
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Post by Rockoonz on May 14, 2021 9:41:34 GMT -5
Hello all, Signed up to this forum a few minutes ago because i saw something that scared the shit out of me in this thread. A mention of acid treating, now I am going to look into this more, but in general you don't want to use acids on ANY sulfide, you run the risk of liberating hydrogen sulfide and at the same time rendering a more soluble salt of arsenic!!!!!!!!! As far as hydrogen sulfide goes, a whiff may knock you dead. please don't use acids with this material!!! a cursory search has some saying that you can get away with it, but if you're scared of an arsenic salt with low solubility like realgar, than you are shitting your pants about hydrogen sulfide! on the flipside, when looking for LD50 type data on realgar, I find that it has been used in traditional chinese medicine!!!!
I like the doublet idea though! Thanks for listening hopefully im just a crazy paranoid person. but also hopefully you dont go tossing a chunk into some sulfuric acid, in your basement.
I think that it was a generalization, some people use acid to "polish" fluorite. Personally I have no interest in bumble bee, even to the point of tossing some in the garbage when it was discovered in a lot from an estate I purchased. |
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Post by opalpyrexia on May 14, 2021 10:19:42 GMT -5
... Personally I have no interest in bumble bee, even to the point of tossing some in the garbage when it was discovered in a lot from an estate I purchased.
I received some Bumble Bee in a slab lot purchase and I also decided to toss it. It's not worth the health risk IMO.
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