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, so Flurlite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow; luster reads vitreous on Flurlite and pearly on Autunite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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.