Torbernite is an uranyl hydrated phosphate mineral that is radioactive green copper that you find as secondary mineral in deposits that are Uranium-bearing, including Granite.
Torbernite is a green, hydrated, radioactive, phosphate mineral of copper uranyl that occurs as a secondary mineral in not only granites, but other deposits bearing Uranium as well. Torbernite is is ostructural with Autunite, with which it allies to form the uranium mineral. Its chemical formula is alike Autunite wherein a Cu2+ cation swaps a Ca2+. The number molecules of water hydration s may vary from 8 to 12, leading to a range of Metatorbernites, as torbernite dehydrates on its own. Associated Minerals include Autunite, Uranocircite, Uranophane, Uraninite, Meta-Torbernite and additional uranium minerals.
Cleavage and radioactive sheets are not flexible but brittle.
Cu (UO2) 2 (PO4) 2 · 8 - 12 H2O
Derivation of Name
Torbernite is named after the Swedish chemist Torbern Bergman (1735-1784).
Torbernite may occur in granite, meaning stone countertops may contain traces of torbernite. Its brilliant green crystal flowers were utilized by prospectors as pointers of uranium deposits.
Torbernite is occasionally used as gemstones.
Large quantities are located at Cornwall, England; Mitchell Co., North Carolina and Utah, USA; Germany, France and Shaba, Zaire.
Collectors keen to include minerals containing uranium love to have Torbernite. It has typically squarish tabular crystals, reminiscent of the mineral Wulfenite including its green color.
Structurally, Autunite is an allied mineral, forming squarish tabular crystals, though those are not classically green. Moreover, Autunite glows in UV light. The Torbernite structure comprises of phosphate tetrahedrons connected to uranium-oxygen groups which form distorted octahedrons. The uranium and phosphate collection lies in sheets that are feebly detained mutually by water molecules. This structure creates the tabular pattern having great direction of cleavage with comparative softness.
Apple green to emerald green
Mohs scale hardness
2 - 2.5