Psilomelane is often banded with gray pyrolusite and the alternating layers make an attractive polished stone with bands of metallic gray and submetallic black. Psilomelane also forms tufts of hair-like aggregates that are similar to those produced by pyrolusite. However, the difference in luster between the two minerals is usually sufficient to distinguish them. Earthy specimens as well are difficult to differentiate since both minerals tend to have a dull luster when found in this habit. Fortunately pyrolusite's softness will give it away when it leaves marks on paper and fingers.
Color is variable from iron-black to bluish black to steel gray.
Luster is submetallic to dull in earthy specimens. Transparency crystals are opaque. Crystal System is monoclinic. Crystal Habits include massive, fibrous, botryoidal, columnar, stalactitic, concretionary, powdery and earthy. Cleavage is absent.