The structure of zinc blend (ZnS) is similar to that of diamond. In diamond each carbon atom is linked to four other atoms tetrahedrally. Similarly, in zinc blende, each Zn+ ion is surrounded by 4s2− ions tetrahedrally and each S2− ion is surrounded by 4Zn2+ ions tetrahedrally. Thus, if all Zn2+ ions and S2− ions in zinc blende are replaced by carbon atoms, if gives rise to structure of diamond.
