Flurlite is a very rare secondary uranium mineral typically found as small, thin, yellow to yellow-orange tabular crystals. It is best known from historic mine sites in Cornwall where it forms in the oxidation zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal deposits. Due to its radioactive and toxic nature, it is strictly for advanced mineral collectors.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Flurlite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

Is this flurlite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch flurlite with a known reference. Flurlite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Flurlite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Flurlite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Flurlite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Autunite

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Flurlite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow; luster reads vitreous on Flurlite and pearly on Autunite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Flurlite leaves yellow, Torbernite leaves pale green.

Compare →

Often found alongside flurlite

Minerals reported to co-occur with flurlite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₃(UO₂)(OH)₂(PO₄)₂·9H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-orange
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find flurlite

Classic worldwide localities

Cornwall, England

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where flurlite typically forms. If you start seeing pyromorphite, cheralite, dewindtite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify flurlite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellow-orange.

Where is flurlite found?+

Notable localities include Cornwall, England.

How much is flurlite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is flurlite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. This mineral contains uranium and lead. Handle with care, avoid inhalation of dust, wash hands thoroughly after handling, and store in a shielded container away from living areas. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like flurlite?+

Flurlite is most often confused with Autunite, Torbernite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with flurlite?+

Flurlite commonly co-occurs with Pyromorphite, Cheralite, Dewindtite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does flurlite form in?+

Flurlite typically forms in oxidized hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is flurlite used for?+

Flurlite is used in collector.

Find flurlite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.