Summary: Full chemical analysis, cell dimensions, γ refractive index, density, and infra-red absorption spectrum have been determined for fourteen stilpnomelanes. Coupled with data from previously described material and electron probe analyses of three further samples, the new information shows that γ = 1·616+0·0047 Fe³⁺ −0·0037 Mg; substitution of Mn for Fe appears to have little effect on γ. For ferrostilpnomelane, D = 2·85−0·011 Mg, for ferristilpnomelane, D = 2·89−0·011 Mg. Cell dimensions clearly distinguish ferro-, ferri-, and man-ganstilpnomelanes; for ferri-stilpnomelane a = 22·03−0·00446 Mg−0·00786 Fe³⁺ (Å). A convenient approximation to the structural formula using a ⅛ subcell, is K_0·6(Mg, Fe²⁺Fe³⁺)₆Si₈Al(O,OH)₂₇ 2–4 H₂O.