MnSi and MnSi 2 - x single crystals were grown from high temperature gallium metal fluxes by slowly cooling the melt in argon atmosphere. The growth conditions of MnSi and MnSi 2 - x (Mn 1 5 Si 2 6 ) crystals with relatively large size, namely MnSi about 0.06x0.52x2.43mm 3 and Mn 1 5 Si 2 6 about 0.40x0.55x0.61mm 3 were established. MnSi crystals were generally obtained in the form of needle-like prisms extending in the <100> direction and with well-developed (111) faces. Mn 1 5 Si 2 6 crystals had a nearly spherical polyhedral shape, greyish color and metallic luster. The as-grown MnSi and Mn 1 5 Si 2 6 crystals were used for chemical analyses and measurements of unit cell parameters. Vickers microhardness was determined on MnSi and Mn 1 5 Si 2 6 crystals, and oxidation at high temperature in air was studied for MnSi and Mn 1 5 Si 2 6 crystals.