Matraite has a more complex structure than wurtzite and is trigonal , not hexagonal. The symmetry is broken in a perpendicular direction to the major axis and results in a hemimorphic crystal structure. In other words, there is no symmetry element, like a mirror or two fold rotational axis, perpendicular to the major axis and thus crystal faces on top of the crystal are not repeated on the bottom of the crystal. Crystals of wurtzite are typically six sided pyramids where the hemimorphic character is easily seen as the top of the crystal is the point and the bottom of the crystal is the pyramid's base. Often the crystals are platy with a hexagonal outline and the hemimorphic character is then not easily distinguished.
Color is light to dark brown almost black.
Luster is resinous to dull. Transparency crystals are transparent to translucent. Also seen as acicular radiating crystal groups or as botryoidal crusts layered with galena and sphalerite . Fracture is uneven. Streak is light brown.