---
title: "Irradiation: meaning in gemology"
description: "Irradiation is exposing a gem to artificial radiation to change its color. Heating sometimes follows, to modify the color further."
url: https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/irradiation
image: https://digitalgemology.com/img/og-digital-gemology.png?v=d224fb01
---

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[Glossary](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary) · Treatments and origin

# Irradiation

Also called irradiated

Irradiation is exposing a gem to artificial radiation to change its color. Heating sometimes follows, to modify the color further.

## In more detail

Some irradiated colors fade in strong light. Irradiated yellow sapphire, for example, fades fast when held near a flame. An irradiated stone cannot be called padparadscha.

## On a grading report

Labs state the treatment when they detect it.

## Related terms

- [Treatment](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/treatment): A treatment is any process, other than cutting and polishing, that changes a gem's color or apparent clarity. Anyone who sells a treated gem must disclose the treatment.
- [Stability](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/stability): Stability is a gem's resistance to damage from heat, light and chemicals.
- [Padparadscha](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/padparadscha): Padparadscha is a sapphire of soft pinkish orange to orangey pink. Its tones are pastel and its saturation low to medium.
- [Disclosure](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/disclosure): Disclosure is telling the buyer, before the sale, that a gem is treated, laboratory-grown or an imitation.

[All 328 terms](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary)