What is selenite?
Selenite is a mineral. It is known as a crystal and is a form of crystallized gypsum. It is composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate. Despite its name, it actually contains very little selenium.
The chemical formula of selenite is CaSO4·2H2O. This tells us that it has two water molecules in its composition. As well as this, it is a very soft crystal.
When measured on the Mohs hardness scale, it comes out at just “hardness 2” meaning that it is soft enough to be scratched with a fingernail! With this in mind, it is a delicate crystal that should be handled with care.
Selenite is very often transparent and mostly colorless. Sometimes it could be a milky-white color. It can also be grayish-white, brown, yellow, green, and orange if it has been colored by other minerals. In fact, it should be noted that in any case of your selenite being colorful or opaque then this is because of the presence, this is because of minerals.
The broad name of selenite is often given to a group of four different crystals. These are selenite, satin spar, gypsum flower, and desert rose. This means that sometimes when selenite is named, it could be referring to any of the above.
Desert rose and gypsum flower both look quite different from true selenite. However, the satin spar is very similar in terms of appearance. However, rather than being see-through, it is usually milky-white and opaque.
The foolproof way of telling the difference between selenite and satin spar is to assess its habits. Satin spar is nearly always prismatic and fibrous. This is in comparison to selenite which is typically tabular or acicular. However, selenite can also be prismatic too.
With this in mind, you should also check whether the crystal is attached to a matrix or base rock. Both can do this, but it is more common for the satin spar. On the other hand, Selenite is commonly found as a free-floating crystal or attached to a clay bed.
Selenite healing properties
Selene and the Moon
The very name of selenite is a direct reference to Selene, the Greek goddess associated with the moon. As such, the selenite crystal is also associated with the moon and the properties of the moon.
The moon is associated with feminine energy, the ever-changing nature of the universe, immortality, and the binary of light and dark. It also links to intuitive thinking and our higher selves. As such, selenite can be said to represent the same.
This means that you can seek out selenite to help you with any of these things that are also associated with the moon.
For this reason, many people seek out selenite to help with fertility and periods. The reason for this is because of the direct link between the fertility cycle and the moon (the moon cycle and the period cycle are the same lengths of time).
Cleansing and positive energy
The energy of the moon is very cleansing. It is also representative of positive energy. As such, selenite is associated with the same.
The healing properties of the selenite crystal are very cleansing and positive. You can use selenite during cleansing rituals, and when you are meditating to help cleanse you of negative energy.
The energy it gives off is highly vibrational. This means that whether you are cleansing your energy or that of a building or place, selenite will be able to disperse negative vibes and replace them with light and good energy.
It is also used for its cleansing properties for other crystals. Selenite cleansing and charging plates are popular. You can palace your crystals on top of these plates to rid the crystals of negative energy and reset them with positive energy.
Selenite wands are used for a similar reason as it is thought that they can conduct and direct good energy at whatever you point the wand at.
Crown chakra and the Higher Self
The crown chakra is the center of your higher consciousness and self. Using selenite during meditation, manifestation, and chakra work can help to unblock and strengthen this chakra.
This allows you to connect with higher frequencies and raise your vibration. In turn, this can help your intuition and spiritual self.
Selenite can also be used as protection during chakra work as it helps against lower vibration energy and dark energy.
Judgment, clarity, and insight
It is also common for people to use the healing properties of selenite when they are going through life changes and need some clarity on issues in their life. Selenite can help you to gain perspective and clarity during times of major change and uncertainty.
This is especially good if you feel that your judgment and clarity are being clouded by negative energy. The cleansing energy of selenite will rid you of this negativity and help you to gain insight. It is also great for when you need to tap into and trust your judgment.
Selenite lamp vs salt lamp
Now, salt lamps, namely Himalayan salt lamps have been all the rage for quite some time. However, selenite lamps are quickly becoming very popular. Both selenite lamps and salt lamps are beneficial in their way.
They both have slightly different properties. As you will know from our article, selenite is known for its cleansing, feminine energy. It is a fantastic stone to use when you need clarification and to help with your intuition. It can also help to deter negative energy, replacing it with light, positive energy.
In comparison, salt lamps are known for their air-purifying properties. They are said to help improve the air quality in your home and help you sleep. They are also said to be great for those wanting to avoid harmful blue light as they give off a very warm orange-pink light.
With this in mind, it is safe to say that whether you choose a selenite lamp or a salt lamp, you are bound to enjoy the benefits that either of them gives you. In fact, why not get both and double-up on those benefits?!
