What can torbernite be used for?
What can torbernite be used for?
Torbernite is a copper phosphate mineral that contains uranium, making it somewhat radioactive. Although it can be used as a uranium ore, it’s more valued as a collectors mineral. It can be used as a good indicator of uranium deposits, however.
How common is torbernite?
Torbernite is an uncommon mineral found at hundreds of localities although not usually in large amounts. It is a secondary mineral that forms in the oxidized zones of uranium-bearing copper deposits.
How do you find torbernite?
The most obvious factor in identifying torbernite is its radioactivity. However, since it is frequently found in association with other radioactive minerals, this may not be useful in separating one uranium mineral from the rest.
How is torbernite formed?
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. The process leaves the crystal shape of the lost mineral intact.
Is torbernite a fluorescent?
Although most, if not all, torbernite is non-fluorescent, reports of torbernite showing anomalous fluorescence appear from time to time.
What is the streak of torbernite?
Emerald-green, grass-green. leek green, siskin green, apple green. Streak: Pale green. 2 – 2½ on Mohs scale.
What is the hardness of torbernite?
2 – 2.5
Torbernite. Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 12 H2O. Torbernite’s most common alternative names are copper uranite and cupro-uranite….
| Torbernite | |
|---|---|
| Fracture | Brittle |
| Mohs scale hardness | 2 – 2.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous; Pearly |
| Streak | Pale green |
What are Torbernite elements?
| Torbernite | |
|---|---|
| Category | Phosphate minerals |
| Formula (repeating unit) | Cu(UO 2) 2(PO 4) 2 • 8-12H2O (hydrated copper uranyl phosphate) |
| Strunz classification | 8.EB.05 |
| Crystal system | Tetragonal |
What is the streak of Torbernite?
What is the hardness of Torbernite?
What are torbernite elements?
Is Torbernite a fluorescent?
Is torbernite a radioactive mineral?
As a radioactive mineral, torbernite has some limited significance as a uranium ore. Its vibrant green color and well-developed distinctive crystals (size: mm to a few cm) make it a sought-after collector’s mineral, as well.
How do you identify torbernite?
The most obvious factor in identifying torbernite is its radioactivity. However, since it is frequently found in association with other radioactive minerals, this may not be useful in separating one uranium mineral from the rest. A next step would be to check color.
What is the chemical formula for apatite?
Ca 5 (PO 4) 3 (OH) 0.33 F 0.33 Cl 0.33 Apatite is now a group name for a series of related minerals. Common world wide. Link to MinDat.org Location Data.
Where does the name tornbernite come from?
Jáchymov (St. Joachimsthal), Krusne Hory, Západocesky kraj, Cechy (Bohemia), Czech Republic Link to MinDat.org Location Data. Named after the Swedish chemist, Tornbern Bergmann (1735-1784). Comments: Bright green platy crystals of torbernite on matrix.
