4. What Is The Crystal Structure Of Magnesium Sulfide?

Magnesium sulfide has a crystal structure that belongs to the rock salt type, which is also known as a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure. In this structure, magnesium ions occupy the FCC lattice sites, while sulfide ions occupy the octahedral interstitial sites. Each magnesium ion is coordinated by six neighboring sulfide ions, and each sulfide ion is coordinated by six neighboring magnesium ions. The bond between magnesium and sulfur is ionic in nature, with the magnesium cation having a +2 charge and the sulfur anion having a -2 charge. The crystal lattice parameter for magnesium sulfide is approximately 5.21 angstroms.