Selenite
Selenite is a transparent crystalline variety of gypsum and is much softer than quartz. White fibrous wands often sold under the same name are commonly satin spar.
Updated
Mineral properties
- Mineral
- Gypsum · CaSO₄·2H₂O
- Hardness
- About 2 on the Mohs scale
- Color
- White, translucent, with a silky sheen
Ask whether an item is transparent selenite or fibrous satin spar. Both are gypsum, but appearance and structure differ. The illustration shows flat transparent crystal plates.
Symbolism and ritual meaning
Clarity: transparency can represent a clearly stated question or an open conversation.
Ritual cleansing: placing other stones beside selenite is an esoteric practice. It neither physically cleans them nor removes the need to care for the selenite itself.
Esoteric correspondences
These are symbolic associations used in this reference, rather than measured properties of the material.
- Planet
- Moon
- Element
- Water, Air
A personal ritual with selenite
Place the specimen somewhere dry on a soft support. Leave space between it and other stones in an arrangement.
Observe the plates under side lighting. Do not bend them or rub them against a harder stone.
Cleaning and care
Dust: use a very soft dry brush without pressure.
Water and abrasion: choose dry cleaning at home. Do not soak, rub with salt or put the specimen in an ultrasonic cleaner.
Storage: keep separate from quartz and other harder specimens. Thin edges are easily damaged.
Sources and further reading
The sources describe mineral properties and care. Zodiac and chakra associations belong to the symbolic reading.
