The magnetic structure of the NaCl and Zinc blende structures of Manganese Sulphide MnS

MnS adopts the cubic NaCl (rocksalt) structure under normal conditions (alpha-MnS). However, MnS crystals adopting the zinc blende structure (beta-MnS) can also be grown under appropriate conditions.

The Rocksalt (NaCl) Structure	The Zinc Blende (ZnS) Stucture

Magnetic Structures

Mn²⁺ has 5 d-electrons and is observed in a high spin configuration (i.e. t_2g³, e_g²) in both alpha- and beta-MnS. This leads to a number of possible `spin structures' and these are shown opposite.
Both alpha-(rocksalt) and beta-(zinc blende) MnS have a face centred cubic array of cations so the magnetic structures shown apply to both allotropes.

 Alpha-MnS adopts the antiferromagnetic AF2 structure.

 Beta-MnS is observed in the AF3 configuration.

Ferromagnetic	Antiferromagnetic AF1
Antiferromagnetic AF2
Antiferromagnetic AF3