Torbernite is a highly sought-after secondary uranium mineral known for its vibrant emerald-green, thin tabular or micaceous crystal clusters. It is an oxidation product of primary uranium minerals and is most commonly found in the weathered zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal deposits.
Is this torbernite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch torbernite with a known reference. Torbernite sits at Mohs 2-2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Torbernite leaves a pale green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Torbernite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: emerald green, grass green, leek green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, micaceous plates, crusts.
Often confused with
Torbernite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Torbernite leaves pale green, Autunite leaves pale yellow; luster reads vitreous on Torbernite and pearly on Autunite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Torbernite leaves pale green, Metanatroautunite leaves yellow; luster reads vitreous on Torbernite and pearly on Metanatroautunite.
Often found alongside torbernite
Minerals reported to co-occur with torbernite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu(UO₂)₂(PO₄)₂·10-12H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-2.5
- Density
- 3.2-3.3 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale Green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Micaceous Plates, Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Uranium Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail, $200-800+ cabinet specimen
Where rockhounds find torbernite
2 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Musonoi Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Gunnislake, Cornwall, UK
- Schneeberg, Germany
- Rum Jungle, Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of uranium deposits country — that is the host setting where torbernite typically forms. If you start seeing autunite, uraninite, azurite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, micaceous plates, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Utah — start trip planning there.
Common questions
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Find torbernite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
