Catalog Search Guide
You can search our catalog using different mineral attributes. For example, you can search by color such as green, yellow or purple, or by chemical elements such as uranium, calcium or iron, or by mineral groups such as phosphate, silicate or carbonate. You can also filter by crystal habit like crystal, geode or crystal on matrix, by specimen size such as thumbnail, small, medium or cabinet, and by features such as radioactive or fluorescent minerals.
Torbernite
Torbernite is a striking green hydrated copper uranyl phosphate, Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2·12H2O, prized by collectors for its brilliant emerald-to-grass-green tabular crystals and pearly-to-vitreous luster. A member of the autunite group, it forms as a secondary mineral in the oxidized zones of uraniferous copper deposits, typically as thin square plates, stepped pseudo-octahedra, or micaceous rosettes on quartz or gossan matrix. Over time it readily dehydrates to metatorbernite, so fresh, undehydrated crystals with sharp edges and vivid color are especially sought after.
The species was first described from the Georg Wagsfort Mine near Johanngeorgenstadt in Saxony's Ore Mountains, and classic European material also comes from Jáchymov in the Czech Republic, Schneeberg, and Cornish mines such as Wheal Basset and Stenna Gwyn. Exceptional, large-plate specimens are famous from the Musonoi mine near Kolwezi and the Shinkolobwe deposit in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Margabal in Aveyron and Panasqueira in Portugal round out the list of world-class localities.
Collectors value torbernite for its rarity in fine, undamaged condition, its association with other uranium and copper secondaries like autunite, uraninite, and zeunerite, and its historic role in early uranium mineralogy. Micromounters chase perfect square microcrystals, while cabinet collectors seek bold, multi-rosette plates on matrix — genuine cornerstone pieces for any radioactive mineral or phosphate-arsenate suite.
