Organic crystal of imidazolium picrate (IP) was synthesized and successfully grown by the slow cooling solution growth method using ethanol and acetone as solvents. The structural, thermal, optical and mechanical properties were studied for the grown crystal. Cell parameters were determined using X-ray diffraction studies. HRXRD study shows the crystalline perfection. FT-IR and laser Raman studies confirm the functional groups present in the title material. The optical properties such as optical bandgap and refractive index of the title material were obtained from the UV-visible spectrum. The PL spectrum of the title compound shows green emission. The thermal stability of the crystal has been determined using TG/DTA studies. Vicker's microhardness studies were carried out to understand the mechanical properties of the grown crystal. The hardness of the title compound increases on increasing the load. Theoretical factor group analysis enumerates the possible modes of vibrations. The dielectric tensor, dielectric loss and conductivity over a range of frequencies and temperatures have been presented. Dielectric tensor components have been determined theoretically using the DFT theory. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.