Copy of Selenite
About Selenite
This article is about selenite generally, and applies to selenite, satin spar, and gypsum. All of these have similar properties – even though they are not exactly the same – and are generally discussed as all being “selenite.”
While these specific stones do have some of their own properties, they also share the general properties of selenite we discuss here.
Shown here on the right is an example of satin spar, a form of gypsum which is commonly called selenite.
Physical Properties
The image you see on the left side of this page is one form of "true" selenite, which forms in very large blades deep inside the earth. Another form of "true" selenite is glassy and often very clear, commonly known as Utah ice selenite. This form of selenite - found in Utah - gets its name from it's clear, frosty appearance, similar to ice.
There are many other crystals that we commonly call "selenite" but are actually a form of the mineral gypsum (selenite is one form of gypsum). For example, we know the typically inexpensive, fibrous, luminous white material, often formed into sticks, spheres, and candle holders, as selenite. Found in Morrocco, this specific form of gypsum actually has a different "proper" name: satin spar. However, we see it so commonly called selenite (by vendors, buyers, and crystal experts) that it almost strange to discuss it by any other name.
Similarly, selenite that forms in the desert, with sand inclusions and an easily-recognizable, flower-like shape, is known as desert rose, desert rose selenite, or as gypsum roses.
Contrary to what its name would suggest, selenite doesn’t contain any selenium. It’s a variety of mineral gypsum, which, when clear, is both translucent and colorless. What can affect its look is the presence of other minerals or microcrystals forming on selenite’s surface.
Selenite is a relatively soft stone, with a hardness of two on the Mohs scale. This makes it somewhat unsuitable for jewelry, since it can be easily scratched. Satin spar is slightly harder, but still not ideal for jewelry as it can not only be easily scratched, but can also flake and splinter.
Selenite typically occurs in the U.S. (including Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Mexico), and Mexico. The most magnificent specimens were found in the Naica Mine, and they were over 12 m long and weighed as much as 55 tons!
Selenite is a suitable stone for everyone born under the Zodiac sign of Taurus. In Feng Shui, selenite is said to contain fire energy.
Selenite is also associated with sahasrara (the crown chakra) and padaka-pancaka (the soul star chakra). If you're looking for a stone that will help you to quickly raise your vibration, connect to the divine, or speak to your guardian angels, try a piece of selenite.
Selenite is said to foster clarity of the mind, heal one’s etheric body, and repair holes in the auric field. Those who have been exposed to negative energy for long periods, or are stuck in a negative vortex, may well benefit from using selenite.
Selenite might inspire you and give you the courage to start a personal revolution, too. This is because selenite is said to give you access to the abilities you possessed in your past lives, and reconnecting to them is said to boost your inner power.
