Abstract: An improved fluorescent lamp is disclosed. The lamp of the present invention includes an envelope containing an ionizable medium including mercury and having electrodes located within the envelope; an aluminum oxide reflector layer on the inner surface of the envelope, and a phosphor layer disposed on the reflector layer. The aluminum oxide reflector layer comprises particles of high purity aluminum oxide having an average particle size greater than 0.5 micrometer and less than or equal to about 1 micrometer and having a surface area of about 4 to 6 meter.sup.2 /gram. The aluminum oxide reflector layer preferably includes at least 95 weight percent alpha-alumina. Preferred coating weights for the reflector layer are from about 8.8 to about 11.1 milligram/square centimeter.