torbernite

[ tawr-ber-nahyt ]

noun

a mineral, hydrated copper uranium phosphate, CuU2P2O12⋅12H2O, occurring in square tabular crystals of a bright-green color: a minor ore of uranium; copper uranite.

Origin of torbernite

1850–55; named after Torbern Bergman (1735–84), Swedish chemist; see -ite¹

Also called chalcolite.

Words Nearby torbernite

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use torbernite in a sentence

The colour is sulphur-yellow, and this enables the mineral to be distinguished at a glance from the emerald-green torbernite.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 1 | Various
Though closely resembling the tetragonal torbernite in form, it crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and is optically biaxial.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 1 | Various

British Dictionary definitions for torbernite

torbernite

/ (ˈtɔːbəˌnaɪt) /

noun

a green secondary mineral consisting of hydrated copper uranium phosphate in the form of square platelike crystals. Formula: Cu(UO 2) 2 (PO 4) 2 .12H 2 O

Origin of torbernite

C19: named after Torbern O. Bergman (1735–84), Swedish chemist; see -ite 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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