It was discovered in 1825 and named in 1826 for the type locality, Les Hureaux, Saint-Sylvestre, Haute-Vienne, Limousin, France.

[7] A complete series exists from lithiophilite, LiMn2+PO4 to triphylite, LiFe2+PO4, including hureaulite, strengite, FePO4·2H2O, stewartite, Mn2+Fe3+2(OH,PO4)2·8H2O, and sicklerite, (LiMn2+,Fe3+)PO4.

Typically occurs very late in the sequence of formation of secondary phosphate minerals.

It can be synthesised;[10] most natural hureaulites are Mn-rich compounds but extensive (Mn,Fe) solution is known for synthetic material.

[9] The type locality is Les Hureaux, Saint-Sylvestre, Haute-Vienne, Limousin, France.