Roger Weller, geology instructor
wellerr@cochise.edu
copyright 2007-R.Weller
Mineral
Information on:
torbernite
Chemical Group: phosphate
Chemical Formula: Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2.8-12H2O
Color: emerald green, grass green, apple green
Streak: same as color, but paler
Luster: pearly to adamantine Transparency: transparent to translucent
Hardness: 2 to
2.5
Specific Gravity: 3.2
Cleavage: 1 direction (perfect), micaceous
Tenacity: brittle
Crystal Forms: Orthorhombic
system, pseudo-tetragonal
Crystals are usually square tables, sometimes thin,
sometimes thick
Mineral Associations: other uranium minerals
Identifying Characteristics: green, mica-like square crystals, radioactive
Uses: a source of uranium
Occurrences: Czechoslovakia, Australia
Toxicity: when-swallowed- dangerous
when inhaled- dangerous Radioactive
Additional Information: