Formula: Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2.8-12H2O
Origin of name: for Torbern Bergman (1735-1784), Swedish chemist
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal class: 4/m 2/m /2m
Twinning: Rare on {110}
Unit cell: a = 7.06, c = 20.54
Colour: Emerald-green, grass-green, leek-green, siskin-green, apple-green
Diaphaneity: Transparen to translucent
Luster: Vitreous to subadamantine, waxy, pearly on cleavages, becomes dull on dehydration to meta-torbernite
Habit: Crystals thin to thick tabular, rectangular or octagonal shape, rarely pyramidal, scaly or lamellar aggregates
Hardness: 2 to 2.5
Specific gravity: 3.20
Cleavage: 2; {001} perfect, micaceous, {100} indistinct
Tenacity: Brittle
Streak: Pale green
Synonyms/varieties: Copper uranite
Comments: Radioactive, water content varies with relative humidity. Fluorescent yellow SW-UV and LW-UV. Torbernite dehydrates to meta-torbernite. Found as secondary mineral in granites, and other uranium-bearing rocks.
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