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Torbernite
Torbernite is phosphates (uranyl micas), Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2·8 to 12H2O. In the hand, it rates 2 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale, and it runs emerald green and grass green. Collector mineral; sharp Congo and Cornish plates fetch strong prices.
The geology.
Torbernite carries the formula Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2·8 to 12H2O. It belongs to the tetragonal system. Catalogues list it as phosphates (uranyl micas).
It sits at 2 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads vitreous to pearly. Light behaviour is transparent to translucent. Specific gravity runs 3.2. The streak is pale green. It breaks with perfect micaceous cleavage; flaky.
Perfect emerald-green squares stacked like tiny tiles, uranium's most photogenic mineral, distinguished from its twin autunite by color and by staying dark under UV (the copper kills the glow).
It reaches buyers as square tabular crystals, book-like stacks or crusts on granite and gossan.
The origins.
Oxidized uranium-copper zones, Cornwall (England), Margnac and Bois Noirs (France), Musonoi (DR Congo), Spain.
On value, the database notes: collector mineral; sharp Congo and Cornish plates fetch strong prices.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, torbernite is admired strictly behind glass as a reminder that beauty and danger often share a lattice.
We keep this section because people ask. It sits below the geology on purpose, and none of it describes something the stone does.
Spotting the real thing.
Perfect emerald-green squares stacked like tiny tiles, uranium's most photogenic mineral, distinguished from its twin autunite by color and by staying dark under UV (the copper kills the glow).
Not faked; the hazard is the opposite, gorgeous green squares sold as 'pretty crystals' without a radioactivity disclosure.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Autunite | Autunite is yellower and fluoresces brilliant green; torbernite doesn't glow |
| Malachite | Malachite is botryoidal/banded, fizzes in acid, never square plates |
| Green mica (fuchsite) | Fuchsite flexes in larger sheets, no radioactivity, no square habit |
At-home tests.
Before anyone talks you into a lab report, these are the checks worth doing yourself on torbernite.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| By eye | Geiger counter responds strongly |
| By eye | Square emerald plates with mica-like cleavage |
| Under UV | No UV fluorescence despite the vivid color |
Destructive tests belong to a gemologist, not a kitchen table. If a piece matters to you, pay for an appraisal before you take a file to it.
Care & handling.
At 2 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale this is a soft material. Keep it as a display piece, store it apart from harder stones, and skip daily-wear settings.
It breaks with perfect micaceous cleavage; flaky, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Clean it by hand, dry it properly, and keep it away from ultrasonic cleaners and hot steam.
RADIOACTIVE uranium mineral and emits radon: display sealed, away from bedrooms, never handle flaky surfaces bare-handed, never powder, and wash hands after contact.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2·8 to 12H2O. Crystal system: Tetragonal. Specific gravity: 3.2. Streak: Pale green. Cleavage and fracture: Perfect micaceous cleavage; flaky.
How it reaches the market
Oxidized uranium-copper zones, Cornwall (England), Margnac and Bois Noirs (France), Musonoi (DR Congo), Spain.
What it gets confused with
Autunite: Autunite is yellower and fluoresces brilliant green; torbernite doesn't glow. Malachite: Malachite is botryoidal/banded, fizzes in acid, never square plates. Green mica (fuchsite): Fuchsite flexes in larger sheets, no radioactivity, no square habit.
What it is worth
Collector mineral; sharp Congo and Cornish plates fetch strong prices.
Where buyers get caught
Not faked; the hazard is the opposite, gorgeous green squares sold as 'pretty crystals' without a radioactivity disclosure.
One more thing
Torbernite crystals adorn granite countertops often enough that geologists cite it when explaining why some slabs tick a Geiger counter, nature seeds green squares where granite meets uranium groundwater.
An education-first guide.
We do not stock torbernite. Writing it up regardless is the point of a reference library.
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