Yes I do it - I stock satin spar but tend to label it selenite , my suppliers call it selenite, most crystal shops call it selenite but a true rock hound will tell you technically it’s satin spar selenite.
So what’s the difference ?
Both Selenite and Satin Spar are from the gypsum family (along with Desert Rose and also Alabaster.) They basically have the same/ similar compound formula of CaSO4·2H2O, selenite is clear almost transparent where as satin spar selenite is fibrous and milky . A brother from another mother ?! True clear selenite is rarely available and commonly it’s the satin spar selenite we see in bountiful supply on the market .
Selenite:
Selenite is a transparent and colorless (or very lightly colored) variety of Gypsum that forms in distinct crystals.
The name ‘Selenite’ is mostly synonymous with Gypsum but has been used historically to describe the transparent variety, as opposed to Satin Spar Gypsum for the fibrous variety and Alabaster for the fine-grained massive form. (Selenite can be found as colorless, white, gray, brown, beige, orange, pink, yellow, light red, green. Selenite has the chemical composition CaSO4 · 2H2O (Hydrous calcium sulfate). source: mindat.com
Satin Spar
Satin Spar is a fibrous form of Gypsum. It is generally white, silky and translucent with pearly or milky appearance although you can also find peach/orange commonly sold as well.
The name Satin Spar was first used for a variety of Calcite (Satin Spar Calcite). It has since been used to cover varieties of Aragonite and Selenite. It is best to use this name as an adjective in conjunction with a mineral name rather than as a specific variety name of its own (ie: Satin Spar Selenite). Satin Spar has the chemical composition of CaSO4 · 2H2O (Hydrous calcium sulfate). source: mindat.com
Which Should You Use?
Any of the two that you are drawn to of course. If you are drawn to Satin Spar (what is regularly available), it doesn't mean that it won't have the same effect as true Selenite for you. You're attracted to it for a reason - go with that.
Selenite- is one of those stones EVERYONE should have in their crystal kit. Yup that’s a big call. It’s my go to crystal to cleanse and recharge my other stones and jewellery. I use it daily for aura brushing and general energetic work.
The healing energy of selenite is well renown. It is a crystal that’s never need cleansing or recharging because of its exceptionally high vibration. It’s brilliant to sweep away negative energy from the auric field. Selenite has the ability to quickly unblock stagnant, stuck energy to promote a healthy, smooth flow of energy throughout your crystal grid and can also be used on your body. It dispels all negative energy, bringing calming energies, mental clarity and deep peace. I use it extensively to ‘seal’ in any energetic healing work and it’s definately one crystal I can do without
A Deeper Understanding of Selenite
- Selenite is commonly found in the deep caves of Mexico, Morocco and Madagascar and the raw crystal formations can be as long as 35 feet. Some of the largest crystals ever found are of selenite, the largest specimen found in the Naica Mine's Cave of the Crystals being 12 metres long and weighing 55 tons.
- Selenite, also known as satin spar, desert rose, or gypsum flower are four crystal structure varieties of the mineral gypsum. These four varieties of gypsum may be grouped together and called selenite.
- Selenite-most often transparent and colorless: it is named after Greek σεληνη "the moon".
- Selenite if selenite crystals show translucency, opacity, and/or color, it is caused by the presence of other minerals, sometimes in druse (a crust of tiny, minute, or micro crystals that form or fuse either within or upon the surface of a rock vug, geode, or another crystal)
- Satin spar- most often silky, fibrous, and translucent (pearly, milky); can exhibit some coloration-the satin spar name can also be applied to fibrous calcite (a related calcium mineral) – calcite is a harder mineral – and feels greasier, waxier, or oilier to the touch.
- Desert rose- rosette shaped gypsum with outer druse of sand or with sand throughout – most often sand colored (in all the colors that sand can exhibit) the desert rose name can also be applied to barite desert roses (another related sulfate mineral) – barite is a harder mineral with higher density
- Gypsum flower -rosette shaped gypsum with spreading fibers – can include outer druse-the difference between desert roses and gypsum flowers is that desert roses look like roses, whereas gypsum flowers form a myriad of shapes
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selenite_(mineral)
- All varieties of gypsum, including selenite and alabaster, are composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate
- Gypsum crystals are colorless (most often selenite), white (or pearly – most often satin spar), gray, brown, beige, orange, pink, yellow, light red, and green. Colors are caused by the presence of other mineral inclusions such as, copper ores, sulfur and sulfides, silver, iron ores, coal, calcite, dolomite, and opal.
- Selenite contains no significant selenium, the similarity of the names of the substances coming from the Ancient Greek word for the Moon.
- Crystal system: monoclinic
- Mohs scale of hardness:2
- Chakras: Third Eye & Crown
- Selenite is a popular crystal when it comes to cleansing and clearing the home or office space. It dispels negative energy and enhances clarity, focus and creates calm in any space
- Clears negative energy
- Cleanses and charges other crystals
- Self-cleansing
- Its’ calming properties makes it ideal for meditation and spiritual work
- Enhances team spirit in groups and organisations
- Perfect crystal for gridding the home or property
- Calms nightmares
- Good for memory
- Aids physical balance
Using Selenite
Activating Crystals Grids
Activating is the final step in creating a crystal grid, an activating crystal can be any type of crystal or you can even use your finger to trace the energy lines. But I find the more powerful energies to be clear quartz, kyanite and selenite as they all have strong vibrational protective energy.
To activate a crystal grid, take your crystal of choice (can be small or large), draw an invisible line between each stone to energetically connect each to the next. You can start at the first stone you laid or the outside- there really aren’t any “rules” its up to you. Think of it like “connecting the dots” when you were a kid. Trace as many times as you like until you feel the energy is right for you.
Chakra Work
Known to activate the crown chakra, which is directly linked to the spirit, Selenite allows you to form and understand a deeper connection to the earth. This is the ultimate crystal for clearing and cleansing energies and auras. Selenite provides access to an experience of a ‘higher self’ which stems from the crown chakra. When this chakra is activated, it allows you to experience a blissful state of infinite knowledge called ‘satchidananda’.
Paired with the element of beyond time and space, selenite can work with your crown to give you a feeling of completeness. By placing Selenite on your forehead it also activates the third eye chakra, which allows you to have a sixth sense and nudges you into a conscious and enlightened state.
Energy Healers use wands to clear and cleanse the energetic system as well as to “seal” in any energetic balance and or healing work done.
Daily Rituals
For crystals to reach their optimal potential in daily mindfulness they need to be cleansed. Placing crystals, jewellery and healing tools on a Selenite Charging Plate or near a piece of selenite, is a great ritual to focus on cleansing crystals from negative energies or previous experiences and intentions.
Sacred Space
Keep a wand of Selenite near the entrance of your home or personal space for an instant cleanse on arrival or departure. Overall, Selenite can be placed in any space to keep vibes and energies high and clear. Any room or the entire house can be gridded with selenite for purification and protection. By simply placing a piece in each corner of the room .
For lucid dreaming , deep peace and calm for sleep. Place a tower/castle by the side of the bed for deep protective sleep.
Selenite Care
Being a gypsum base stone water must be avoided unless you want a slushy puddle of mineral slosh. With traces of aluminium it’s delfinaly NOT a stone to put in your direct gem elixirs - check out my blog on indirect gem elixirs
Selenite is so high vibration that it doesn’t need cleansing and Infact cleansers and recharges other stones . Personally I’m in Alignment with “hibiscus moon” school of thought. She says “Crystals have a very precise vibratory rate due to their precise molecular structure (that’s what makes a crystal a crystal). However just as an overplayed piano needs to be retuned from time to time, at some point the frequencies will probably need to be readjusted if they have been used frequently; just like any other crystal. I also feel these vibratory frequencies do readjust themselves naturally on their own…given enough time.”
So what’s the best way to reset - recharge your selenite ?
I’d go for a moon bath but even better a sound bath with a Tibetan singing bowl. If you feel your selenite looking dusty avoid a water bath but a wipe with a damp cloth is fine!
I hope you’ve enjoyed a deeper look into selenite and can now confidently go forward and use your pieces with confidence
crystal blessings
Leonie 💜