Vurroite is an exceptionally rare sulfosalt mineral primarily found in volcanic fumaroles. It typically forms thin, metallic, platy crystals and is characterized by its high lead, tin, and bismuth content.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Yellowish Brown

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Vurroite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Yellowish Brown
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this vurroite?

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 vurroite with a known reference. Vurroite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vurroite leaves a yellowish brown streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vurroite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark red, brownish red.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, lath-like.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Galena

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vurroite leaves yellowish brown, Galena leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vurroite leaves yellowish brown, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.

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Often found alongside vurroite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₂₀Sn₂(Bi,As)₂S₂₈Cl₂
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 4.55 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Red Brownish Red
Streak: Yellowish Brown
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Lath-like
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarolic Deposits
Typical price: $100-500+ per specimen

Where rockhounds find vurroite

Classic worldwide localities

Vulcano, Lipari Islands, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarolic deposits country — that is the host setting where vurroite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, pyrite, arsenopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, lath-like habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vurroite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is yellowish brown. Common colors include dark red, brownish red.

Where is vurroite found?+

Notable localities include Vulcano, Lipari Islands, Italy.

How much is vurroite 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 vurroite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and arsenic; avoid inhalation of dust and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like vurroite?+

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

What minerals are found with vurroite?+

Vurroite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Pyrite, Arsenopyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vurroite form in?+

Vurroite typically forms in fumarolic deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vurroite used for?+

Vurroite is used in collector.

Find vurroite on the map

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