Torbernite

specimen number:
2072149

location:
Les Bois-Noirs, Rhone-Alpes, France

description:

Sparkling green platy crystals of torbernite averaging 0.2 cm in size covering a large portion of the top of matrix. This is in great condition. Really choice for the species and locality.

The Les Bois-Noirs mine, situated near Saint-Priest-la-Prugne in the Loire department of the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, was one of the most significant uranium deposits in France. Geologically, the site is characterized by hydrothermal vein mineralization hosted within Hercynian-aged granitic rocks of the Forez mountains. The primary ore mineral was pitchblende, which formed along major fault structures through the circulation of mineral-rich fluids during the late Paleozoic. Historically, the deposit was discovered in 1951 by the Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique (CEA), and full-scale industrial mining began in 1955. During its peak period of operation between 1955 and 1980, the mine and its associated processing plant produced approximately 7000 tonnes of uranium, making it a cornerstone of the French nuclear energy program during the mid-20th century. Following the depletion of the main ore bodies and changes in economic conditions, the mine was closed in 1980 and subsequently underwent extensive environmental remediation.

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