How to distinguish selenite from a fake?
Selenite is a special type of gypsum mineral. The stone is named after the ancient Greek goddess of the moon Selene. The Greeks especially appreciated the beauty of this mineral and even made windows from it. The Egyptians also paid attention to gypsum; they used it for decorative purposes. It is extremely interesting that in the Church of Santa Sabina in Rome, the large arched windows, built in the 5th century, are made of sheets of selenite rather than glass. Many believe that selenite has a special energy that awakens femininity and promotes rejuvenation. This stone symbolizes clarity and reason.
Physical and chemical properties of selenite
- Formula – CaSO4•2H2O
- Color – white, gray
- Line color – white
- Hardness – 1,5-2,0
- Cleavage – perfect according to
- Density – 2,31-2,33 g/cm³
- Syngony – monoclinic
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Varieties of Selenite
- Satin spar
- The Desert Rose
- Gypsum flower
Selenite color
Selenite comes in pale pearly whites with a clay-like texture, as well as yellow, blue, beige and pink.
How is selenite formed?
Selenite often forms as a result of salt accumulation in areas where salt water has dried up
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Selenite often forms as a result of salt accumulation in areas where salt water has dried up. Over hundreds of years, as the liquid evaporates, clumps of salt form, which later begin to crystallize. If this occurs in areas where the mineral gypsum is present, the crystal will absorb some other substances. The color of selenite varies depending on the environment. For example, alkali produces clear crystals, while the presence of iron causes them to turn brown.
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Where is selenite mined?
Selenite can be found throughout the world, but is most commonly found in Mexico, Poland, Russia, Greece, Japan, Australia, Argentina, Brazil and the United States.
Magical and healing properties of selenite
Selenite helps get rid of anxiety and worries
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Selenite is said to help align the spine and solve problems related to the skeleton and bones. Many believe that it fights free radicals, prolongs youth and improves the condition of skin and hair. The mineral also has a positive effect on eye health.
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Selenite also helps get rid of worries and worries. This stone encourages us to be open and honest, sincere and relaxed, and also teaches us to let go of situations and people that no longer bring anything positive.
How Selenite is Used in Feng Shui
Selenite is always ready to bring a sense of harmony to your home. By placing a stone in the hallway, you will prevent toxic energy from entering the room.
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Selenite can be placed anywhere – in any case, it will fill the space with positive energy and repel negativity.
Selenite for men and women – who should wear it and when?
For men, selenite gives them self-confidence and makes them more decisive.
A woman should wear selenite if she has problems in her family life.
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The stone can also provide inspiration for creative projects and provide energy and strength for work.
Selenite for zodiac signs
Selenite is ideal for Taurus
Selenite is ideal for Taurus. Representatives of this zodiac sign are known for their stoic demeanor, practical approach, and also extreme stubbornness at times. The mineral helps them grow wings. With an unusually peaceful nature and dreamy feminine energy, Selenite helps these individuals balance all of their powerful masculine energy. He brings peace to a turbulent heart.
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Compatibility of selenite with other stones
Selenite can be combined with amethyst, moldavite, black tourmaline, moonstone, rose quartz, clear quartz, carnelian, shungite, angelite, aquamarine and jade.
How to properly use and store selenite
Selenite can be used in the form of a selenite stick
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It is in jewelry that selenite shows itself best. One of the main reasons to choose products with stones is that when they come into contact with the skin, they perfectly tune into your personal vibration. The absence of other materials between you and the mineral encourages it to send its healing powers directly to the desired chakras. In this case, the magic will not be muffled by anything.
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Selenite can also be used in the form of a selenite wand to clear a space of negative energy, massage the body and promote good sleep. If you find yourself becoming distracted throughout the day, keep a selenite wand at your desk or office to help you stay focused and collected. To cleanse the aura, pass the stone product a few centimeters from the body so that it absorbs all the negative energy. For a good night’s sleep, place it under your pillow or next to your bed.
The best way to clean selenite is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, wet it with warm water, and gently brush it across the surface of the stone. This way you will eliminate all the negative energy that the mineral has absorbed.
Selenite needs additional charging. From time to time it should be left in the light of the full moon. Another way to quickly charge selenite is to place it next to a lit white candle.
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Since selenite is a very soft stone, it must be handled with care. It is easy to scratch or break, so be careful. It is better to store the mineral away from water and direct sunlight. We recommend using a padded case or fabric bag.
How to distinguish real selenite from a fake
Nowadays there are a huge number of fakes on the market. To distinguish a natural stone from a fake one, you need to know its characteristics.
Selenite is a very soft stone and can be easily scratched with a fingernail. If there are no traces left on it, it is a fake.
It should feel warm to the touch.
To make sure that you have natural selenite, take a needle or pin, heat it over the fire and slowly touch the stone. If he doesn’t react, it means he’s real.
Perfection is also a sign of an artificial material. Real selenite should have tiny impurities inside.
The mineral is distinguished by its original structure of thin fibers and a soft glow with an unusual optical effect called “cat’s eye”. Selenite was used by our distant ancestors in jewelry and as a mandatory attribute of various religious cults – it was believed that the stone had a deep sacred meaning and served as a guide to the other world. Today, the mineral is still in demand in arts and crafts, as well as in various branches of industrial production.
What does the stone look like – photos and properties
The mineral belongs to the category of morphological varieties of gypsum. According to its characteristics, it is a very soft stone, which makes it easy to give the desired shape during processing. This parameter determined the popularity of the mineral in the decorative and applied sphere.
Selenite aggregates are distinguished by their basic morphological structure, which has a fine fibrous character. The stone may contain accompanying inclusions of clay in the form of perpendicular lens-shaped cuts and veins, bitumen, sand, sulfur and hematite in various percentages. Together they create original shades in the structure of the stone. The mineral diagnostic card consists of the following indicators:
- Class is a type of gypsum.
- Chemical composition – calcium and sodium silicate (Ca [SO4]•2H2O).
- The largest deposits are in the Urals (Russia) and in the “Cave of Crystals” near the city of Chihuahua in Mexico.
- Hardness on the Mohs scale is from 1.5 to 2 points. It is fragile, so it is not recommended to wear it at the same time as other stones.
- The shine is silky. It appears as a light line that moves when the stone is rotated near the light source. Able to change its shade throughout the day.
- The fracture is splintered or fibrous.
- Density – from 2,31 to 2,33 g/cm3.
Etymology of the name
It is believed that the name of the mineral is associated with the name of the Greek goddess of the moon Selene. It was introduced into the general classification of minerals by the Swedish chemist Berzelius in the nineteenth century. The stone also has several unofficial names that are common among ordinary people: “moonstone” (not to be confused with the mineral adularia), “eastern alabaster”, “moon kiss”, “Egyptian stone”, etc.
Deposits in Russia and the world
The stone forms veins of a parallel-fibrous structure in marly sandstones and layers of clayey rocks that contain large amounts of sulfate salts. It develops in cracks due to crystallization pressure. In Russia, it is mined in Perm, where its main ore reserve is located, which has been identified by geophysical exploration to date. Around the world, stone is mined in Mexico, Canada, Egypt, USA, Sri Lanka, etc.
Scope of use
Most often it is used in arts and crafts. Selenite is used to make small crafts, figurines, jewelry and talismans. Products must be coated with colorless varnish every two years to maintain the original structure and texture of the stone. During operation, a number of important conditions must be observed:
- store in separate boxes with soft upholstery inside,
- avoid accidental impacts or falls on a hard surface,
- do not leave for a long time in bright sun,
- Clean from time to time using a sponge and soap solution.
The mineral is also in demand in various manufacturing industries, for example:
- Chemical industry – included in various insecticides.
- Mechanical engineering – used in the manufacture of foundry molds.
- Paper and pulp industry – used as an important component of various dyes.
Application in medicine
In Ancient Egypt, selenite powder was used to treat skin diseases of various etiologies. In Sumer, the stone was used to effectively heal fractures and wounds, as well as to reduce post-traumatic swelling. In Tibet, gallstones were removed using selenite.
Modern doctors recommend using it for:
- low level of hemoglobin in the blood (iron deficiency anemia),
- disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system,
- bone tissue atrophy,
- diseases of the liver, stomach and spleen,
- hypertension and vascular atherosclerosis,
- infertility.
Often, with the help of this stone, the course of mental illnesses at various stages is corrected. Tests have shown a positive effect of the mineral on the psyche, including a decrease in apathy and an improvement in the general condition of patients.
Compatibility with zodiac signs
Astrologers advise all zodiac signs to wear jewelry with selenite. Such a talisman will help you discover your natural talents and realize yourself in life. It is worth considering that the moon is considered the patron saint of the stone, so it should not be worn by people born on a full moon. According to the horoscope, the stone is ideal for:
- Pisces – increases self-esteem and increases self-confidence.
- For Scorpios – relieves negative emotions and gives peace of mind.
- For Leos – reduces aggressiveness of character.
- Cancer – helps to make the right decision in a difficult situation.
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility (1 to 3) |
| ♈ | 2 |
| ♉ | 2 |
| ♊ | 2 |
| ♋ | 3 |
| ♌ | 2 |
| ♍ | 2 |
| ♎ | 2 |
| ♏ | 3 |
| ♐ | 2 |
| ♑ | 2 |
| ♒ | 3 |
| ♓ | 3 |
How to distinguish a fake
Selenite deposits are distributed throughout the world. The stone is popular due to its simplicity and low cost of extraction. The market price is calculated per kilogram and determined by the type of mineral:
- Stuff – from 2 to 10 dollars.
- Crystal – from 1 to 5 dollars.
Thanks to the combination of the above authors, counterfeiting selenite has no practical benefit. However, it is worth considering that unscrupulous sellers may offer rocks similar in structure under the guise of selenite: amazonite or belomorite. To be absolutely sure of the authenticity of a mineral, it is enough to run a sharp object over it. Natural selenite is very fragile, so it should leave a mark on the surface.
