Meta-Torbernite from Wheal Sparnon
Specimens of metatorbernite from Wheal Sparnon in Cornwall, a long closed site.
Meta-Torbernite from Wheal Sparnon, Redruth, Cornwall
Specimens of metatorbernite from Wheal Sparnon in Cornwall, a long closed site.
Torbernite is a hydrated uranyl phosphate mineral, and meta-torbernite is typically formed by the dehydration of torbernite.
It is a radioactive mineral, as it contains Uranium oxide.
However, in this case, the radioactivity is quite minor; the crystal of metatorbenite is really rather small. It's been tested with a Radiacode 2 and measures about double the level of background radioactivity. I don't have a counter that detects alpha radiation currently so am not able to check that.
As I say - the crystal of metatorbernite really is rather small - the majority of the specimen is matrix rock, mostly a heavily iron stained Quartz, with a tiny crystal of metatorbernite measuring 2-3MM approximately.
Mike (verified owner) –
The item arrived promptly, well packed and labelled. The meta torbernite was exactly as advertised, a lovely green crystalline form on the matrix. The radioactivity was low so great for displaying the beauty of uranium minerals.