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

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Vurroite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this vurroite?

4-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
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silvery gray.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: aggregates, fibrous.

Often confused with

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

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: 6.15 g/cm³
Colors: Silvery gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Aggregates, fibrous
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: As encrustations around fumaroles (400-600 °C) in an active volcanic crater

Where rockhounds find vurroite

Classic worldwide localities

Fumarole FF (and others), La Fossa crater, Vulcano Island, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: As encrustations around fumaroles (400-600 °C) in an active volcanic crater. If you start seeing bismuthinite, lillianite, kirkiite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, fibrous. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vurroite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. Luster: metallic. Common colors include silvery gray.

Where is vurroite found?+

Notable localities include Fumarole FF (and others), La Fossa crater, Vulcano Island, Italy.

Is vurroite safe to handle?+

Vurroite contains arsenic and lead and calls for real care. Contains lead and arsenic; avoid inhalation of dust and wash hands thoroughly after handling.

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 Bismuthinite, Lillianite, Kirkiite, Heyrovskýite, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vurroite form in?+

Where it forms: As encrustations around fumaroles (400-600 °C) in an active volcanic crater. 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.