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Antique Crucifix heats-up and burns hand

Was holding an antique crucifix, it's metal, and it heated-up and burned the palm of my hand, but it left no visible damage to top skin, but I can feel it radiating heat on the palm. Now that I am not holding it, and it has been over 24 hours, my hand is still with a burning sensation, which is uncomfortable. I placed my hand under water, and this offers temporary relief, but the burning radiating sensation has returned.
I tested it (the crucifix) for lead, but that test was negative.

I found that not all of the crucifix heats-up, except for the back of it where there is a decorative scuplted image--that's the round thing that burned my hand.

Please let me know if you think that I ought to go for heavy metal testing. Our perhaps you can surmise what the metal is. OR, whatever advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Mary Meyer
hobbyist - Artesia, California
May 20, 2009

Sounds like radiation poisoning Mary. See a Doc ASAP.

George Brackett III
- Maine
May 28, 2009

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It may be a nickel allergy - or a splinter that got embedded in your palm; or even a combination of the two.

If you are real worried, and you've got health insurance, a trip to a doc shouldn't cost too much.

Of course... there are always paranormal possibilities... have YOU done anything lately to make a crucifix burn your hand? :)

Jim Gorsich
Compton, California, USA
May 28, 2009