What is Selenite?
Selenite, known scientifically as selenitic gypsum, is a fascinating mineral that has captivated humanity for centuries. Its translucent and smooth appearance, along with its unique physical and chemical properties, make it a popular choice for both decorative use and spiritual practices. Let’s see what selenite crystal is, the curiosities, physical and chemical properties, natural origin, spiritual meaning and other aspects related to selenite.
Spiritual Meaning of Selenite
Selenite is highly valued for its spiritual significance and metaphysical properties. This stone is believed to possess healing and purifying energy, and is used in meditation and healing practices. Some believe that selenite has the ability to help cleanse and balance the chakras, promoting a sense of calm and inner peace. It is also believed to help improve mental clarity and connect with higher dimensions.
Selenite is considered a spiritually powerful stone and is used in energy healing and meditation practices. Selenite is believed to have calming properties and helps balance and purify energy in the body. Selenite is also said to facilitate connection to higher realms of consciousness and promote mental and spiritual clarity.
Curiosities about the Selenite Crystal
The word “selenite” comes from the Greek “selene,” which means “moon.” It was given this name because of its bright white appearance, resembling moonlight.
It is commonly known as a “stone of light” due to its ability to uniquely channel and diffuse light. By holding a piece of selenite up to the light, you can see it light up from within, creating a magical and calming effect.
Unlike many other minerals, selenite crystal is soluble in water. If soaked in water for a long period, it will gradually dissolve. This makes it a delicate mineral and requires special care to maintain its integrity.
Properties of Selenite
- Translucent Appearance: Selenite is characterized by its translucent appearance, which allows light to pass through it. This gives it an ethereal and radiant appearance.
- Color and Transparency: Selenite is generally colorless or white, but can also present soft shades of yellow, gray or pale pink. Its transparency varies from transparent to translucent.
- Perfect Cleavage: Selenite has a perfect cleavage towards its basal plane, which means that it can easily be divided into thin sheets.
- Phosphorescent Property: By exposing selenite to ultraviolet light, it can exhibit a phosphorescent property, emitting a soft light even after the light source has been turned off.
- Hardness and Brittleness: Despite its brittle appearance, selenite is surprisingly hard, with a hardness of approximately 2 on the Mohs scale. However, it is important to be careful when handling it, as it can be easily scratched or broken.
- Varieties: In addition to its crystalline form, selenite is also found in the form of rosettes or fibrous aggregates, known as “satin spar” or “Iceland spar.” These varieties offer different aesthetics and can be used in various applications.
Selenite crystal has a smooth texture and crumbles easily into thin sheets. These sheets can be transparent or translucent, and often have striations and parallel lines on their surface.
It is a relatively light mineral, with a density of about 2.3 grams per cubic centimeter.
Chemical Properties of Selenite Crystal
Chemically, selenite is calcium sulfate dihydrate, with the chemical formula CaSO4 2H2O. This means that it contains calcium, sulfur, oxygen and hydrogen.
Selenite is water soluble, making it susceptible to degradation when exposed to moisture or rain.
Origin and Location
Selenite is found in different parts of the world, mainly in regions with desert or coastal climates. Some of the places where selenite is found include Mexico, the United States, Argentina, Spain, Morocco, and Madagascar. These areas have the right conditions for the formation of this crystal, such as slow evaporation of water that allows the precipitation of gypsum.
In some cases, selenite is found as large crystals in rock cavities, known as geodes. These geodes can contain beautiful selenite formations inside.
It can also be found in the form of small crystals in sedimentary layers, where they form through the evaporation of water in lakes and shallow seas.
