Pyrolusite is softer and has a bluish streak. If manganite is massive, it is difficult to distinguish it from other manganese minerals. Fine crystals of manganite can make a nice addition to a mineral collection. Color is black to steel gray. Luster is metallic to dull in weather specimens.
Crystals are opaque, translucent in only thin splinters.
The terminations are generally blunted with domes and minor pyramid faces. The crystals are striated lengthwise. Crystals are usually grouped into tight bundles and columnar, massive and fiberous forms are also known. Penetration and contact twinning does occassionally occur. Cleavage is perfect in one direction lengthwise and good to fair in two other directions, one lengthwise at near right angles to the first one and one basal.