Story: Radioactive minerals

Make your own Geiger counter

This DSIR booklet included instructions on how to make a cheap Geiger counter. For several years enthusiasts used their own counters, hoping that the ticking would suddenly speed up, indicating radioactivity. This sound file illustrates what happens when a radioactive source is gradually brought closer to the counter.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Reference: L. I. Grange, Prospecting for radioactive minerals in New Zealand. DSIR Information Series 8. Wellington: New Zealand Geological Survey, 1956

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How to cite this page:

Rebecca Priestley, 'Radioactive minerals - West Coast uranium rush, 1955–56', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/natural-sounds/4784/make-your-own-geiger-counter (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Rebecca Priestley, published 12 Jun 2006