Stephanite typically forms nicely shaped crystals that are tabular to short prismatic. Its crystals can have a pseudohexagonal outline making them look like crystals of polybasite , a closely related mineral. Stephanite lacks polybasite's rhombic striations on its pinacoidal faces, good cleavage and the red flashes. Color is an iron black to dark gray. Luster is metallic.
Crystals are opaque.
Crystals are sometimes intergrown and form pseudohexagonal plates. Also as disseminated grains and massive. Cleavage is poor in two directions. Fracture is conchoidal to uneven. Streak is a black.