In our effort to fabricate single crystals of MnS with rock salt structure, we have produced well-faceted pyramid-like single crystalline alpha-MnS with rock salt structure by simple low-temperature-based solvothermal process. Microstructural studies revealed four triangular facets grown over a square base facet of the pyramid. The length of the sides of each square base of the pyramids varied between I and 3 pin. Transmission electron microscopic observation indicated the single crystalline nature of the MnS pyramids. The square and triangular facets of the pyramid were indexed to the {200} and {111} planes, respectively. Single crystalline octahedron, cubo-octahedron and truncated pyramids were also obtained at different experimental conditions. Electron paramagnetic resonance measurement revealed the paramagnetic nature of the MnS crystals. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.