Torbernite
☠️ Don't Wear / Don't Make Elixirs
Cu(UO₂)₂(PO₄)₂·12H₂O
Copper uranyl phosphate mineral.
Properties
| Chemical formula | Cu(UO₂)₂(PO₄)₂·12H₂O |
|---|---|
| Elements | Cu, U, O, P, H |
| Crystal system | Tetragonal |
| Mohs hardness | — |
| Density | — |
| Streak | — |
| Color | — |
| IMA symbol | Tor |
| Nickel–Strunz class | 8.EB.05 |
“—” means no reliable value in Wikidata yet. Check Mindat for full data.
Care & Handling
- ☠️ Don't Wear / Don't Make Elixirs Radioactive and contains copper.
This stone is in the Handle With Care collection; see the safety section below.
⚠ Handle With Care High caution
Why: A copper uranyl phosphate. It is radioactive, and over time it loses water and changes to metatorbernite, which crumbles easily and releases radon.
Safe handling: Store in a closed container in a ventilated place away from living areas, and label it. Don't keep it in pockets or bedrooms. Wash your hands after handling, never crush or grind it, and keep it away from children and pets.
Sources: Wikipedia: Torbernite · ATSDR ToxFAQs: Uranium · Mindat: Torbernite. General safety information only, not medical advice. More on safe handling.
🌍 Where it's found
Type locality (where it was first described): Johanngeorgenstadt, Germany
- Type locality
- Notable source / deposit
- Country of origin
Marker positions are approximate (region or locality level). Type localities from Wikidata; notable sources curated by Crystopedia.
Learn more
- Torbernite on Mindat.org
- Wikipedia article
- Wikidata item Q409918 (source of this page's data – you can correct it there)