URANIUM TORBERNITE & MORION QUARTZ – Rare Green Crystals with Black Quartz, France

Excellent natural specimen of Torbernite from the legendary Margabal Mine, Aveyron, France — a historic uranium locality considered among the finest sources of torbernite in the world.

The specimen features well-formed, intensely green crystals, showing clean crystal faces and excellent crystallization, sitting in striking contrast against black smoky quartz (morion). This color contrast between vivid green and deep black gives the piece a bold, dramatic visual impact.

The Margabal Mine operated only briefly, from 1957 to 1960, and has been essentially closed to commercial extraction ever since — with only a short, collector-led reopening in 1997 yielding additional material. As a result, well-crystallized specimens like this one are increasingly difficult to find, adding to their rarity and long-term value.

A striking, museum-worthy specimen for collectors of uranium minerals, combining rarity, aesthetic quality and a genuinely historic locality.

Torbernite is a hydrous copper uranyl phosphate mineral, Cu(UO₂)₂(PO₄)₂·10-12H₂O, belonging to the autunite group. It forms as a secondary mineral through the alteration of primary uranium minerals such as uraninite in oxidizing, water-rich environments — the uranium is oxidized and combines with copper and phosphate to form torbernite's characteristic tabular crystals.

The crystal habit is tetragonal, typically forming thin, tabular (platy) crystals with a pseudo-octahedral outline, often stacking into rosette-like clusters, as seen in specimens from this locality.

As a uranium-bearing mineral, torbernite is naturally radioactive, primarily emitting weak alpha particles along with some low-level gamma radiation with a very limited effective range (around 3 meters). This level of radioactivity is not considered hazardous under normal handling and display conditions, though standard precautions are recommended: avoid ingestion, wash hands after handling, and do not store the specimen in prolonged close contact (e.g., overnight on a nightstand). Torbernite can also occasionally display a weak fluorescence under UV light, though this varies between specimens and is not confirmed for this specific piece.

• Formula: Cu(UO₂)₂(PO₄)₂·10-12H₂O
• Mineral class: Phosphates (autunite group)
• Crystal system: Tetragonal
• Crystal habit: Tabular, pseudo-octahedral crystals, often in rosette-like clusters
• Formation: Secondary alteration of uraninite in oxidizing hydrothermal environments
• Key chemical elements: Copper (Cu), Uranium (U), Phosphorus (P), Oxygen (O), Hydrogen (H)
• Color: Intense green (Torbernite), black (associated smoky quartz/morion)
• Radioactivity: Naturally radioactive (uranium-bearing); primarily weak alpha and low-level gamma emission, not hazardous under normal handling with standard precautions
• Locality status: Historic mine, operational only 1957–1960; essentially depleted, with only a brief collector-led reopening in 1997

The Margabal Mine, in southwestern France, was only in commercial operation for uranium ore from 1957 to 1960. In 1997, a group of dedicated collectors reopened access by digging a new tunnel, uncovering additional torbernite — including, reportedly, one of the finest metatorbernite specimens ever found, a stalactite nearly 50 cm long.

Torbernite gets its vivid green color from the combination of copper and uranium in its chemical structure — the same elements responsible for its radioactivity.

In crystal healing traditions, minerals like Torbernite are sometimes associated with grounding and transformation, given their deep connection to the earth's geological history. As with all uranium-bearing minerals, any such interpretations are purely symbolic and are not scientifically proven; this specimen should be handled and displayed with the same care given to any radioactive mineral.

Radioactivity & Safety: Uranium and thorium-bearing mineral specimens contain naturally occurring radioactive elements and should be handled responsibly. Avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust, and wash hands after handling. We recommend storing these specimens away from prolonged close contact and keeping them out of reach of children. These specimens are intended for mineralogical and collector use only, and are shipped in accordance with applicable regulations for natural radioactive minerals.

Photos: All photographs are taken under professional lighting conditions to accurately highlight crystal structure, color and detail. However, slight variations in tone and appearance may occur depending on screen calibration and ambient lighting conditions.

Shipping: is handled through selected reliable express couriers, with fast delivery (often 1–2 business days within Europe), full tracking, insurance coverage and professional protective packaging, as confirmed by customer feedback and reviews.

Multiple purchases can be consolidated into a single shipment, including items from different auctions or separate orders, by simply contacting us to arrange combined shipping. For high-value specimens, direct delivery by appointment is also available, either at home or at major European mineral shows and fairs.