[2] The name manganophyllite also suggests the manganese-rich properties of said gem, as the name originates from the word mangano-, used for substances containing manganese in chemistry.
On the α optical axis, the mineral is pale pink to pink, with an orange tinge, on β and γ axes it is seen in a yellowish brown to dark brown color.
The cause of the anomalies are undetermined in that case, despite the orientation of said specimens were determined with x-ray methods.
Minerals with a very small 2V approach this 3-layer hexagonal structure and show a twinning on (001) of thin sheets, just as in uniaxial lepidolites.
[5] From the available data, it is certain the mica composition continuously varies, thus it was hard to accurately tell which specie it is from.
It was also discovered that manganophyllite's relationship towards other minerals, and its metamorphic texture suggests that it must have originated from manganese, iron and magnesia rich sediments.