gamma-MnS hollow spheres consisting of cones were successfully prepared by a dodecanethiol-assisted hydrothermal process at 180 degrees C for 24 h, employing manganese acetate tetrahydrate and L-Cysteine as precursors. The diameter of the gamma-MnS hollow spheres is 3-6 mu m. The synthesized product was characterized by XRD, FESEM, UV-vis spectrometer, and fluorescence spectrophotometer. The formation mechanism of the gamma-MnS hollow spheres consisting of cones is discussed. The optical properties were also investigated. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.