Selenite

Protection • Insightful • Removes blockages • Intuition • Connection with Angels and Guides

Energetic properties

Selenite is a very spiritual stone with protective and insightful qualities. It enhances connection with angels and spirit guides and facilitates meditation. Selenite is also grounding and protective and cleanses the aura. It stimulates mental clarity and offers insight into life lessons. Physically, it has a positive effect on the spine, epilepsy, and breastfeeding.

Selenite is suitable for children.

Formation

Selenite usually forms through a process of chemical precipitation in watery environments. It develops when water rich in calcium sulfate (gypsum) evaporates or when such water is deposited in cavities, cracks, or fissures in rock. As the water evaporates, calcium sulfate remains and crystallizes into selenite.

It can also form through metamorphic processes, where existing rocks are exposed to high temperatures and pressure, creating new minerals. Selenite is often found in sedimentary rocks such as evaporites but can also occur in volcanic rocks and as deposits in caves.

The gemstone is naturally white due to the presence of calcium sulfate in its chemical composition. The white color is caused by the way the crystal refracts and scatters light.

However, selenite can also appear orange due to impurities or inclusions. These can include various minerals or metals, such as hematite (an iron oxide), which gives the stone a reddish or orange hue.

The high calcium content also contributes to the stone's softness and its easy cleavage, which makes it popular for decorative and spiritual purposes.

Etymology

The name 'selenite' comes from the Greek word selene, meaning 'moon', referring to the moonlike glow that polished selenite crystals can display when held in the light.

Care

Selenite should absolutely not come into contact with water, as it is a gypsum crystal and will dissolve when exposed to moisture.

It is a soft stone, highly prone to scratching, wear, corrosion, and breakage, especially when exposed to acidic or alkaline substances. It’s best to clean selenite gently with a dry cloth and avoid soaking it in water or chemicals.

Selenite has excellent self-cleansing properties and can even be used to cleanse other crystals. However, occasional cleansing is still recommended and can be done using sage incense or moonlight.

Origin

Can be found in various locations around the world, including the United States, Mexico, Morocco, Brazil, Greece and Russia.

Availability

Selenite is relatively common and found worldwide, so it is generally not considered rare. However, it can vary in quality and size. Some rare forms; such as crystals with internal inclusions or exceptionally large specimens, can be more valuable. Due to its easy workability, selenite is often crafted into a variety of shapes, including moons, discs, spirals and tealight holders.

Properties

Composition: CaSO₄•2H₂O
Hardness: 2-3
Density: 2.3

Associated with Selenite