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Selenite Crystal Meaning

Two girls holding out white Selenite and snow Quartz polished stone heards at Satin Crystals Boutique.

What do you find mesmerizing about silky Selenite? There's so much to learn about this radiant crystal. You are about to discover the world of Selenite, from geological facts to metaphysical healing properties.

From Desert Rose to Satin Spar, Selenite is a longstanding power stone in the world of crystal healing. It is known for its energy-sealing properties, keeping out the unwanted and keeping in the wanted. 

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For those of you who prefer the vibrancy of voice and visuals, click on our Youtube video to watch our overview of Selenite Stone.

While you are there, catch up on all of your A-Z Satin Crystals Meanings video, where we answer your questions on the most popular crystals. You can also add your questions and stories directly on the Youtube comments. 

Can you benefit from Selenite crystals?

You may benefit from Selenite crystals if you can relate to any of the following:

  • You want to seal your aura from energy leaks

  • You are a crystal healer

  • You want to be cool, calm, and collected

  • You want to cleanse your space

  • You want to charge your other crystals

  • You want to open your Crown chakra for enlightenment

  • You want to bring peace to your surroundings

  • You wish to work with the universal Light energy

  • You enjoy performing moon and sun rituals

 

 

What is Selenite?

Selenite is a crystallized form of Gypsum. Gypsum comes in many varieties including Selenite, Satin Spar, and Desert Rose.

All Gypsum is composed of Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate with the chemical formula CaSO4·2H2O. Gypsum is a rockier, softer version of Selenite at a 1.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness compared to Selenite's 2. 

What is Selenite named after?

Selenite got its name from ancient times referring to the "moon stone", associated with the power to wax and wane with the lunar cycle. It is also associated with the Greek Moon Goddess Selene.

sheila of satin crystals holding two white selenite hearts

What healing properties does Selenite have?

In crystal healing, Selenite is the best crystal to seal the aura from energy leaks. This is an important ritual to ensure that you are not susceptible to unwanted energies entering your aura.

Selenite provides you with the energy of White Light. This pure power allows you to focus on your Higher Self. It bathes you in high vibrations. 

desert rose on selenite slab

Does Desert Rose have the same properties as Selenite?

As they are both a variety of Gypsum, Desert Rose and Selenite have the same healing properties. However, each has its distinct energy as well.

In crystal healing, Desert Rose keeps you centered and calm while you are multi-tasking. It reminds you of your uniqueness and individuality in the world. Desert Rose is used to connecting with Earth elements and manifests what you want to occur in the physical world. 

woman scanning the aura with selenite sticks

How to use Selenite for healing?

Here are some ideas on how you can use your Selenite stones for energy healing: 

  • Scan the aura of a client or friend with a Selenite stick to seal it. If working on yourself. hold a sphere to enhance your auric field.

  • Selenite is self-cleaning and will clean your other stones. Place them on a Selenite plate or disk for charging. 

  • Use Selenite at the Crown chakra to raise your vibrations and connect with other dimensions.

  • Surround your body with Selenite and place some stone directly on the body to create a crystal layout. This anchors your Light body back to earth after meditation or if you're feeling spacey.

  • Use the indirect method to create a gem elixir or gem spray. Drink or spray the Selenite infusion in your aura when you are feeling weak. 

  • Gift matching Selenite hearts to a beloved friend, lover, or family member to spread the Light in the world.

  • Wear Selenite jewelry and glow with spiritual bliss throughout the day. 

  • Have each person in your meditation circle hold a piece of Selenite to enhance telepathy and connection.

  • Hang and place Selenite stones in each corner of your space to create a web of serenity.

  • Place large Selenite logs in your living room or as a table centerpiece to create an atmosphere of peace. 

hands holding white and orange selenite eggs
  • Use White Selenite for moon rituals and Orange Selenite for sun rituals. 

  • Hold Desert Rose Selenites to ground your energy after a healing session. 

  • Place Selenite in your Knowledge & Growth corner of your Feng Shui chart to consciously learn and pass your life lessons. 

  • Create a crystal mandala grid with Selenite and other high vibration stones like Moldavite, Amethyst, and Stibnite for your spiritual practice.

  • Surround yourself with Selenite animal figurines to protect your space with the animal's spirit energy.

  • Work with a Selenite egg when you or someone you love is going through new beginnings to ease the transition.

Note: Do not place Gypsum in water. Selenite is 70% water. Use Selenite carefully as it is very fragile.

 

Where should I put Selenite in my home?

In the home, Selenite can be kept in the living area or shared spaces to maintain a peaceful vibration. It should be kept somewhere safe where it will not be easily knocked down by children, pets, or others.

For Feng Shui energy, place Selenite in the "Knowledge and Growth" bottom left corner of your home. For more on placing crystals, visit How to Clear & Fill the Home with Crystals

woman looking through true selenite plate

How can you tell if Selenite is real or fake?

Selenite is rarely faked because it is such an easily accessible and affordable crystal. However, you may be confused between True Selenite and Satin Spar Selenite. True Selenite is not as common as Satin Spar Selenite. 

If you do come across suspicious material claiming to be Selenite, you can test it: 

  • Real Selenite should scratch very easily with your fingernails
  • Real Selenite will not melt when touched with a heated pin
  • Real Selenite will dissolve in water over a long period
  • Real Selenite will show inclusions but no bubbles like glass

How can you tell Selenite from Satin Spar?

True Selenite and Satin Spar Selenite have the same composition and are very similar to one another. They are both Selenites crystallizing in slightly different ways. Satin Spar is a descriptive word to describe a certain variety of Gypsum Selenites. 

Here are some tips on how you can tell True Selenite from Satin Spar Selenite:

  • True Selenite is clear and colorless while Satin Spar Selenite is translucent and can come in white or orange. 

  • True Selenite forms in thin sheets resembling flat crystal plates while Satin Spar Selenite forms in fibrous crystals like thin threads. 

  • True Selenite shows clarity while Satin Spar Selenite shows iridescence or a "cats-eye" effect

  • True Selenite will usually be more expensive than Satin Spar Selenite

rose quartz skull on selenite charging disk

How do you clean Selenite crystals?

Selenite is not a crystal that should be cleaned in water. A quick spot cleaning with a damp cloth should be okay, but to be safe, use a dry cloth or duster. Selenite should always be handled with great care because of its fragility.

In crystal healing, Selenite is one of the self-cleansing stones. You can place other stones on your Selenite for cleansing and charging their energies. If you are looking to metaphysically cleanse, charge, and program crystals, visit our Crystal Care guide. 

woman holding broken selenite log

Is Selenite safe in water?

Selenite is not safe in water. Like Angelite, Selenite is an anhydrite mineral, meaning it will dissolve in water over a prolonged period.

A quick touch of water should be okay if you dry your crystal right away. However, depending on your piece, the stone may lose its luster, polish, or structure after soaking in water.

Never put Selenite in your bathtub and always use the indirect method when making a gem elixir

In general, you should be very careful with sensitive Selenite! 

 

How do you smudge with sage and Selenite?

Selenite is an excellent crystal to use with your smudging rituals. Whether you are using sage, incense, palo santo, or candlelight, you can follow the cleansing smoke with your Selenite crystals. Raw Selenite sticks or polished Selenite wands are best for this ritual. 

You can use your Selenite to clear your space or cleanse a client's aura. After you are through with your ritual, keep the Selenite on the room's windowsill to charge during the moonlight, or have your client hold the Selenite in a relaxing meditation.

hand holding broken selenite sphere

Is Selenite breakable?

Selenite is one of the softest crystals you will work with. It can break very easily. The majority of polished Selenite pieces are coated with some kind of protective sealant or resin for durability.

Raw Selenite will flake with every touch. If it does flake or powder while handling the crystal, wash your hands so you don't get it in your eyes. 

Find out what you can do with your broken Selenite pieces: Broken or Lost Crystal Meanings.

hands holding selenite crystals

Is Selenite toxic?

Selenite crystals are not toxic. They are very safe to use as home decoration and crystal healing stones. You never want to consume or breathe in large quantities of any type of crystal dust, but otherwise in its raw or polished form, Selenite is perfectly safe.

However, if you research Selenite's toxicity level, you may get confused with toxic Sodium Selenite. Sodium Selenite is a poisonous inorganic substance containing Selenium.

Selenite crystals are calcium sulfate while Sodium Selenite is an ion. Selenite crystals do not contain selenium. The selenium in Sodium Selenite is what makes the ion hazardous. 

sheila of satin crystals holding a white selenite slab

Sheila's personal experience with Selenite

Since entering the realm of crystal healing, I have found Selenite to be the most popular stone for both sealing the aura and cell regeneration. Of course, it has many other properties, but when I used to do crystal healing sessions, we would always have a large raw wand of White Selenite to end the sessions; sealing in the positive energies and strengthening the immunity of the aura after the healing.

As I don't actively offer crystal healing sessions anymore, I do use raw Selenite myself by just holding a large piece of the stone. I keep both a Selenite block and a Selenite log on my windowsills and can feel the crystal's vibrating energies when my aura needs a fill around the edges. 

Thankfully I have not had personal experience with cancer, but I have heard many accounts of patients using Selenite to regenerate their cells during treatment. Holding, wearing, or creating a crystal grid, Selenite can be programmed to strengthen the cells and ward off these debilitating illnesses.

Of course, like any other treatment, it is not a miracle cure, and you must use crystal healing in conjunction with the power of your mind, your resolve, and other medical treatments.  

 

Lisa's personal experience with Selenite

Like Sheila, I have sealed many clients' auras with Selenite wands. It is a crucial part of any crystal healing session. Placing Selenite near the Crown chakra is also popular because this crystal is associated with high vibration and spiritual light.

These days, I enjoy super polished Selenite pieces because I know they are more durable than the raw ones. Selenite animal figurines such as cats are inspirational, they do refract the light and remind you to think conscientiously. Polished Selenite jewelry makes me feel good. Bracelets, necklaces, and earrings are so unique and attractive that they catch the eye and draw compliments. 

One of my all-time favorite things about Selenite is that it is a Moon crystal. I mention Selenite in almost every Full Moon article because it is one of the top 3 lunar energy stones. If you're into lunar healing and manifestation, you just can't say no to psychic and serene Selenite. 

different types of selenite

What are the different types of Selenite?

Selenite in its pure form is found in clear sheets. However, Gypsum crystallizes into different types of Selenites depending on the conditions. Mineral inclusions also give Selenite its different colors.

Here are some of the types of Selenites you will find on the market: 

  • Desert Rose Selenite forms in the desert and looks like a crystallized rose. It can be off-white to brown in color. 

  • Satin Spar Selenite is a fibrous Gypsum growing in silky needle crystals. It ranges in colors, the most common being white. Orange Satin Spar Selenite, also known as Peach or Red Selenite, has been colored by other minerals like iron giving it its light to dark pearly orange color. 

  • True Selenite is a clear stone that forms in large sheets. Selenite has many thin layers with square shapes which are easily peeled. 

  • Fishtail Selenite is a twinned crystal: a crystal that has two parts growing like a mirror. It is also called Angel Wing Selenite. 

 

What is Desert Rose Selenite?

Desert Rose Selenite is a natural formation of Gypsum. It forms when sand, Gypsum, and Barite cluster together into a rosette shape in the arid desert regions. They are sandy white to brown depending on the mineral composition. 

Desert Rose Selenite can be confused with Barite Roses, which are usually heavier and not as well-defined in their petals. 

How big does a Desert Rose stone grow?

Desert Rose stones are usually half an inch to 4 inches wide. However, the largest Desert Rose recorded was 17 inches wide and 125 pounds. 

orange selenite stones

What is Orange Selenite?

Orange Selenite is a Satin Spar Selenite ranging in color from light peach to dark red. It naturally gets its color from iron inclusions like Hematite. 

selenite wands, heart and necklace
Can I wear Selenite jewelry?

Selenite in its raw form is brittle and flaky. You will often find it in rods, wands, or log formations for a very affordable price. You will also find Selenite polished into hearts, eggs, balls, and other healing shapes, still at an affordable price.

However, once you get into the beaded territory, you will find Selenite prices soaring! Because it is so soft, getting a small bead of Selenite to keep its shape becomes quite costly.

Selenite jewelry is not as common as its raw or polished stone forms, but we are increasingly seeing polished Selenite beads on the market. Sometimes the Selenite beads are extra waxed and stabilized to keep their shape and polish, but other times, like in the case of our White Selenite handmade jewelry, you can enjoy the crystal lightly polished, retaining its interesting dips and formations. 

 

How can you tell Selenite from Calcite?

Sometimes you can get confused between Selenite and Calcite. They come in similar colors and can have a waxy look. 

Here are some ways to tell Selenite from Calcite: 

  • Selenite is a 2 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness and can be easier scratched with your fingernail than Calcite which is a 3. 

  • Clear Selenite will clarify the text on a sheet whereas Clear Calcite will split the text into two because of its double refraction. 

  • Selenite is a little cheaper than Calcite.
selenite moon over dried flowers and selenite desert rose and animals

Is Selenite the same as Moonstone?

Despite Selenite being named after the Greek moon goddess Selene, it is a very different crystal than Moonstone.

  • Selenite is a soft stone from the Gypsum family at a 2 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness while Moonstone is a harder stone from the Feldspar family registering at a 6. Selenite will easily scratch with your fingernail while Moonstone will not.

  • Selenite may show a cat's eye effect where the light dances over its crystal fibers off the surface of the stone. Moonstone has a schiller effect where light bounces off its metallic sheen underneath the surface of the stone.

  • Selenite is much cheaper than Moonstone. 

What's the difference between Selenite and Quartz?

If you are confused between Selenite and Quartz, you are most likely looking at the clear or white versions of the two crystals.

Here are ways to tell the difference between Selenite and Quartz:

  • Selenite is a soft stone from the Gypsum family at a 2 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness while Quartz is a hard stone from the Silica family registering at a 6-7. Selenite will easily scratch with your fingernail while Quartz will not.

  • Selenite will break down in the water while Quartz is relatively safe in the water.

  • Selenite is much cheaper than Quartz. 

sheila of satin crystals holding selenite circle and heart

What chakra is Selenite?

Selenite is an excellent crystal to balance all of your chakras. It is strongly associated with your aura, embodying all of the energy fields of your life. 

When matching Selenite colors to your chakras, you can use the following guide: 

  • White Selenite is associated with the Crown chakra. 
  • Yellow Selenite is associated with the Solar Plexus chakra
  • Orange Selenite is associated with the Sacral chakra.
  • Desert Rose is associated with the Root chakra. 

Is Ulexite a Selenite?

Ulexite is not a Selenite. Although they can look the same in their fibrous, translucent white crystal formation, they are different minerals. Ulexite is a Borate stone and Selenite is a Gypsum stone. Ulexite registers at a 2.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness and Selenite is at a 2.

hand holding ulexite and a satin spar selenite

Is TV Stone made of Selenite or Ulexite?

TV stone is a fun name given to crystals that have a natural fiber-optic effect. When you place them on an image or written text, the text bounces up to the surface of the stone. 

Ulexite is most commonly sold as a TV stone. However, you will also find translucent slabs of Satin Spar Selenite sold as TV stone. Ulexite gives a clearer picture, though. 

What are the mineral facts of Selenite?

Selenite is only a 2 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness and can be easily scratched by a fingernail.

Surface Color: Brown, White, Clear, Yellow, Red, Gray, Orange

Streak Color: (can vary from surface color, this is the color of the crystals’ powdered minerals): White

Group: Calcium Sulfate (Sulfates commonly form in evaporitic environments)

Cleavage (where the crystal breaks off naturally to form a new face, parallel to its structure. This is a clean break and can cleave over and over again along the same face, retaining the crystals structure): Good in one direction, poor in another

Fracture (where you break the crystal aside from a natural cleavage): Subconchoidal (Not as curved as Conchoidal. Conchoidal is a clam-like fracture that looks like broken glass) to Uneven/Brittle

Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to Pearly

Tenacity: Brittle (little resistance to breakage)

Transparency: Transparent (light flows through the crystal) to Translucent (allows light through the crystal but is not fully transparent)

Crystal System: Monoclinic (3unequal crystal axis)

Crystal Habit: Tabular

selenite animals on a stack of selenite slabs

Where is Selenite found naturally?

Selenite is found all over the world in caves, mines, and places where salt has evaporated. Think salt flats, old hot springs, shallow sea basins, and ancient seabeds. 

 

How does Selenite form?

Gypsum forms when saltwater evaporates. The evaporation of ocean brine forms extensive beds of Gypsum with similarly formed Anhydrite (also known as Angelite) and Halite (a form of crystallized table salt). Gypsum forms all over the world wherever there is salt water, in deserts, tunnels, and new formations in old mines.

Gypsum is an evaporite, so it evaporates out of the water and then it crystallizes. Gypsum is the first mineral to separate from evaporated seawater because of its low solubility (its capability of being dissolved). Then it crystallizes and blows into dunes.

White Sands, New Mexico has 225 square miles of white Gypsum sand blown up to 60 feet high sand dunes. The Cave of Swords in Naica Mexico has Selenite crystals growing 6 feet long and more!

clear calcite and true selenite crystals

Is Satin Spar Calcite?

Satin Spar is a descriptive term that can refer to different crystals. While we are talking about Satin Spar Selenite on this page, you can also find Satin Spar Calcite.

Calcite was the first crystal to be described as a Satin Spar for its satiny finish. 

Can Selenite grow on Amethyst?

Selenite can grow naturally in Amethyst geodes. Here is a video with Selenite growing in a pair of geodes.

But buyer beware as there are vendors who glue Selenite into Amethyst clusters and pass them off as natural!

selenite stones and plants

Is Selenite water good for plants?

Selenite water is excellent for plants. If you have broken Selenite pieces you are no longer using, let them dissolve in your watering pot and water your plants. The crystal's minerals return to the earth for happy growth in the circle of life. Learn more in Healing Plants with Crystals

selenite elephants and circle moon

Magical Selenite Incantation

This is a message from Jade from Doreen Virtue and Judith Lukomski's book "Crystal Therapy":

"Friend of the Moon Goddess, I'm comprised of layers of knowledge from the cosmos. Traveling from afar to be with you in these days of shifting awareness, I hold the instinctive acumen of star people. The feel of my weight within your hand is as familiar as the sword that once defended Heaven's gate as Michael stood guard, and with me, there is always safety, comfort, and peace. In blended cadence, we can cleanse the environment and individual bodies of negative energy residue. When you're out of alignment, simply focus and envision that the hooks, cords, and threads of severed connections now exist in harmony and are refilled with love."

 

 

What does Selenite mean in divination?

Drawing Selenite in a gemstone divination session means: You need to seal your leaking sources. 

Something is going on in your life that is draining your energy. Instead of wasting your efforts on frivolous drama, it's time to address your problem and either resolve it or cut it out of your life.

With the help of Selenite crystals, you can clear your mind and let the energy of the Light take over your tumultuous thoughts. With a clear mind, you will be able to shed light on your solutions and seal your aura from unwanted energy leaks. 

white selenite, satin spar heart, desert rose, orange selenite whales

What birthstone is Selenite?

Selenite is not associated with a traditional birthstone, but it is associated with the Zodiac signs of Gemini, Cancer, and Taurus. 

Selenite is associated with Archangels Haniel and Michael.

Find out what Zodiac signs Selenite is associated with in Birthstones by Month and Sign

What crystals go with Selenite?

If you are wondering what to pair with your Selenite stones for a focused and intense healing journey, watch the video and visit Top 11 Selenite Crystal Combinations

Ready to buy Selenite?

Selenite is an essential addition to your crystal healing collection. Shop the Selenite Collection at Satin Crystals or buy your favorite pieces right here:

Continue your Selenite journeys

Selenite Shopping Guides

Selenite Reference Guides

Helpful Crystal Resources

raw selenite brick, stick, polished pencil with basil flower

Are you attracted to Selenite?

Do you have some stories to tell about your own Selenite experiences? We'd love to hear your stories or answer any questions you may have. Contact us below and we'll get back to you. 

Disclaimer: The information provided is for entertainment only. See full disclosure.