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, so Torbernite leaves pale green, Autunite leaves pale yellow; luster reads vitreous on Torbernite and pearly on Autunite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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
3 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, 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, Connecticut. 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.
