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Trinitite FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about Trinitite.



Q - What is trinitite?

Trinitite is a strange, green, glassy substance that was created when the US military detonated the world's first nuclear bomb at the Trinitity Test Site (now White Sands Range) during World War II in 1945.   The atomic blast vaporized the device casing, the gantry tower, and the surrounding desert sand into molten green blobs which then fell to the ground and solidified as trinitite.  This glass is also known as atomite and atomsite.


Q - Is this trinitite genuine?

Yes.  The source I acquired it from bought out the supply of an old New Mexico rock shop that went out of business in the 1970's.  This rock shop acquired it directly from the Ralph Pray stock via Verne Byrnes.   Trinitite would be difficult to fake and it is not a very profitable collectible, so there is no reason to offer bogus trinitite - there are much more valuable items that could be forged more easily than trinitite.  I have had two reputable scientists test my trinitite samples (for their own studies) and this material is the real deal.  You can read the full story about the source of trinitite at this link - http://www.mine-engineer.com/mining/trinity.htm


Q - Is trinitite legal?

Yes.  This trinitite was removed from the Trinitity site many decades ago before any laws or controls were in place.   As such, it is "grand-fathered" onto the market and is 100% legal to own.   Many years ago, the government sealed off the site and the removal of trinitite is now forbidden by law, so you cannot go there now and pick up your own.


Q - Is trinitite safe?

Yes, for the most part.  Trinitite contains an exotic mixture of trace compounds and elements, including tiny amounts of plutonium isotopes.  However, the quantities of these dangerous elements are extremely small, and the most toxic compounds have degraded long ago into less-harmful decay products.  You can own trinitite, display it, or handle it and it will not harm you.  Just do not break the trinitite up which may release dust or small particles.  Do not eat or inhale the trinitite.  And keep it away from children or pets who may eat it.   Wash your hands after handling it.  Stored and handled properly, it is completely safe.


Q - Is trinitite radioactive?

Yes.  It is mildly radioactive, but at safe levels.  To put the radiation hazard into perspective - you get more radiation from standing outside in the daytime and your smoke detector is more radioactive than trinitite.   The radioactivity will measure in very small amounts on a geiger counter, depending on how close the sample is to the instrument probe.


Q - What are the different forms of trinitite?

The vast majority of trinitite is a pale-green material that is rough and bumpy on one side, and smooth on the other side.  The shade of green can vary slightly from light to dark.  There are also pieces of reddish or orangish trinitite that is thought to get some of it's coloration from copper and iron in the device casing and gantry tower.   Black trinitite is very rare and is never seen on the collector market.  


Q - Can I get a BIG piece of trinitite?

Not easily and not from me.  Nearly all trinitite specimens on the collector market consist of small, irregular-sized fragments ranging in size from less than a gram to about 8 or 9 grams.  Anything bigger than 10 grams is considered increasingly rare and difficult to acquire.  Because trinitite is porous and light, the pieces tend to be quite big for their weight, compared to denser materials like rocks or meteorites.  Also, most trinitite is somewhat brittle and larger pieces tend to break.


Q - Why collect trinitite?

Trinitite is a unique historical collectible that represents mankind's mastery over the atom.   Trinitite symbolizes technological achievement and the beginning of the Cold War and nuclear arms race.   From a mineral collector's standpoint, trinitite contains a large number of exotic elements and minerals in trace form.


Q - Will trinitite give me superpowers or turn me into a mutant?

No, it will not.  ;)


Q - Where can I buy trinitite?

Here - http://www.galactic-stone.com/products/trinitite


Q - I live outside the USA, can I still purchase trinitite?

Yes.  Trinitite is not considered a hazardous material for shipping. 



If you have any other questions regarding trinitite, feel free to ask.

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