What are the properties of Torbernite?
Table of Contents
| Torbernite | |
|---|---|
| Streak | Pale green |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent to subtranslucent |
| Specific gravity | 3.2 |
| Optical properties | Uniaxial (-) |
How does torbernite form?
The structure of torbernite is composed of phosphate tetrahedrons linked to uranium-oxygen groups that form distorted octahedrons. The phosphates and uranium groups lie in sheets that are weakly held together by water molecules.
What type of rock is torbernite?
torbernite, hydrated copper uranate phosphate mineral, Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2·8–12H2O, that is one of the principal uranium-bearing minerals. Usually associated with autunite, it occurs as green crystals or micalike masses that are weathering products of uraninite.
What is the streak of torbernite?
Emerald-green, grass-green. leek green, siskin green, apple green. Streak: Pale green. 2 – 2½ on Mohs scale.
How do you find torbernite?
Torbernite is isostructural with a related uranium mineral, autunite, with torbernite’s lack of fluorescence a notable difference….
| Torbernite | |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8-12H2O (hydrated copper uranyl phosphate) |
| Identification | |
| Color | Green |
| Crystal habit | tabular crystals, encrusted |
Where do you find torbernite?
Torbernite is occasionally found as a coating on the walls of crevices in rocks. It occurs in Cornwall, England; at Scheeberg, Germany; at Joachimsthal, in the Czech Republic, and at many other places where other uranium minerals exist.
Is torbernite a fluorescent?
Although most, if not all, torbernite is non-fluorescent, reports of torbernite showing anomalous fluorescence appear from time to time.