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Selenite

Photo: Darla Sondrol / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Selenite

Also known as: Satin spar, gypsum

Luminous gypsum named after the moon – a cleansing stone in crystal lore that must be kept away from water.

  • ColourWhite, Clear, Peach
  • Mineral groupGypsum (sulphate)
  • ChemistryCaSO₄·2H₂O
  • Hardness (Mohs)2
  • Crystal systemMonoclinic
  • Where it's foundMorocco, Mexico, USA, Poland
  • ChakraCrown
  • ZodiacTaurus, Cancer

What is Selenite?

Selenite is a variety of gypsum (hydrated calcium sulphate) and is so soft (2) that you can scratch it with a fingernail – it's the reference mineral for 2 on the Mohs scale. Strictly, "selenite" means clear gypsum crystals; the silky, fibrous wands, towers and lamps sold widely are satin spar gypsum, mostly from Morocco.

The name comes from the Greek selene, "moon", for its soft glow. The Cave of Crystals at Naica, Mexico, contains selenite crystals over 10 metres long – among the largest crystals ever found.

Selenite astrology & birthstone

  • Zodiac signsTaurus, Cancer
  • Ruling planetMoon
  • ElementAir
  • Birthstone month—

Zodiac, planet and element links come from crystal-lore traditions and vary between authors. Birthstone months follow the American Gem Society list.

Selenite meaning & traditional properties

Selenite is associated with cleansing, clarity and peace in crystal traditions, and is often used to "charge" or cleanse other crystals.

  • Cleansing
  • Clarity
  • Peace

Traditional and metaphysical properties are shared for cultural and educational interest. Crystals are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

How to use Selenite

  • Place a selenite plate on your shelf and rest other crystals on it.
  • Keep a selenite tower or lamp in a calm room.

How to care for Selenite

Never put selenite in water or salt – it dissolves and loses its shine. It scratches very easily. Dust with a dry soft cloth.

Shop Selenite

Hand-picked selenite crystals and jewellery from our Paralimni workshop.

Rituals & pairings

Pair Selenite with a protection & cleansing ritual

A traditional cleansing ritual for resetting your space and feeling protected.

Traditionally paired with: White sage or palo santo smudge sticks · Dragon's blood, frankincense or myrrh incense · A white or black candle

  • Open a window, then light a white sage or palo santo stick and let it smoulder.
  • Gently waft the smoke around your crystal and through the room, corners first.
  • Light a white candle and place your crystal beside it while you set a simple intention, such as "This space is calm and protected".
  • Finish with frankincense or dragon's blood incense and let it burn down safely.

Safety: never leave candles, incense or smudge sticks burning unattended, keep them away from children, pets and anything flammable, and ventilate the room. Rituals are shared as tradition, not as a treatment.

Ritual oils, essential oils & perfumes

Deepen your practice: tarot & oracle cards

Wear it & work with it

Selenite jewellery & pendulums

Selenite FAQs

Can selenite get wet?

No – water damages selenite. Keep it dry.

Is my selenite actually satin spar?

Most selenite wands and towers are satin spar gypsum – the same mineral in a fibrous form.

Related crystals

  • Desert Rose

    Desert Rose

    Rose-shaped clusters of gypsum or baryte crystals that grow in desert sand – nature's stone flowers.

  • Clear Quartz
    In our shop

    Clear Quartz

    Water-clear rock crystal – the 'master' stone of crystal lore and the heart of modern electronics.

  • Celestite

    Celestite

    Sky-blue crystals of strontium sulphate, named after the heavens and often found in Madagascar geodes.

  • Angelite

    Angelite

    Soft sky-blue anhydrite from Peru, loved as a gentle, peaceful stone for calm and communication.

Sources