About Torbernite
Hydrated copper uranyl phosphate, forming distinctive bright green, micaceous, tabular crystals. It's highly radioactive and associated with potent transformation. (Primarily collector's mineral).
Primary Hues
Emerald Green, Grass Green, Apple Green, forms tabular or pyramidal crystals, micaceous, fluoresces weakly
Metaphysical Properties
(Highly radioactive, handle with extreme care, do not keep in living spaces) A stone of potent transformation and connection to Earth's cycles. Primarily of interest to collectors of radioactive minerals.
Associated Tarot Cards
The Tower
Type: Major Arcana
Rationale: Represents transformation- sometimes through upheaval- aligning with this potent uranium mineral.
Death
Type: Major Arcana
Rationale: Symbolizes endings- beginnings- and profound change- resonating with Torbernite.
Associated Deities
Pele
Pantheon: Hawaiian
Domain: Volcanoes- Fire- Creation- Destruction
Rationale: Pele's transformative and potent energy aligns with this mineral.
Kali
Pantheon: Hindu
Domain: Destruction- Creation- Time
Rationale: Kali's energy of destroying the old to make way for the new resonates here.
Metaphysical Uses
Transformation Focus (Symbolic)
Understanding Cycles (Contemplation)
Releasing Old Structures (Symbolic)
Please read our Metaphysical Disclaimer
Geological & Scientific Details
Torbernite is classified as a phosphate minerals mineral which typically crystallizes in the tetragonal system. Its chemical formula is Cu[(UO2)(PO4)]2(H2O)12[1]. Common crystal habits include tabular crystals; foliated to earthy masses and encrustations.
Key Geological Properties:
- Mineral Category: Phosphate minerals
- Chemical Formula: Cu[(UO2)(PO4)]2(H2O)12[1]
- IMA Symbol: Tor[2]
- Crystal System: Tetragonal
- Formula Mass (g/mol): 641 – 713 g/mol, depending the degree of water loss
- Predominant Geological Color: Emerald green to apple green[5]
- Crystal Habit: Tabular crystals; Foliated to earthy masses and encrustations
- Twinning: Rare on [110]
- Cleavage: [001] Perfect; [100] Distinct[5]
- Luster: Vitreous; pearly[5]
- Streak: Pale green
- Diaphaneity: Transparent to subtranslucent
Associated Minerals
- Autunite (calcium analogue, forms series with)
- Uranocircite
- Zeunerite
- Uraninite (alters from)
- other secondary uranium minerals)