Selenite
Gypsum var. Selenite · Mineral Specimen and Decorative Stone
Crystal System
Monoclinic system, typically exhibiting prismatic, tabular, or fibrous habits.
Mineral Group
Sulfates
Chemical Formula
CaSO4·2H2O
Formation Process
Sedimentary, primarily formed as an evaporite in saline bodies of water, lakes, and ancient seabeds.
About This Crystal
A translucent to transparent, white to colorless fibrous crystal with a pearly to silky luster, often cut into wand shapes.
Physical Characteristics
White to colorless body color with a white streak, perfect one-directional cleavage leading to flexible flakes, specific gravity around 2.3.
Optical Properties
Biaxial positive with low refractive indices and distinct double refraction (birefringence), often showing a satiny chatoyant shimmer along fibers.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Found worldwide, with notable large crystal deposits in Mexico (Naica Mine), Morocco, Poland, and the USA.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 2, very soft, easily scratched by a fingernail, with low durability for daily-wear jewelry.
Care & Maintenance
Water-soluble; must not be cleaned with water or soaked, and should be kept away from moisture and harsh chemicals.
Rarity & Value
Common, highly affordable, and widely available as raw specimens, polished wands, and decorative carvings.
Special Characteristics
Displays a fiber-optic effect or chatoyancy when cut in certain directions, and can exhibit weak phosphorescence or fluorescence under UV light.
Lore & History
Named after the Greek goddess of the moon, Selene. In traditional crystal healing, it is widely believed to cleanse other crystals, clear negative energy, and align the crown chakra, though these are traditional beliefs rather than scientific claims.