Selenite
What is Selenite?
Selenite is a form of gypsum crystal that is colorless and transparent. It’s primarily found in Mexico, but it can also be sourced from other countries including Morocco and the United States. Selenite is often used as a gemstone and is a popular choice for wands, spheres, and decorative items due to its beautiful, ethereal appearance.
Selenite is a transparent, colorless crystal known for its luminous glow. Its ethereal appearance makes it a popular choice for spiritual and decorative items. It’s often used in wands, spheres, and other spiritual tools.
| Chemical Classification | Inorganic - Sulfate |
| Color | Clear, translucent, or white. |
| Streak | White |
| Luster | Vitreous to silky. |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent. |
| Occurrence | Mexico, Morocco, and the United States. |
| Formation | Selenite forms in evaporative clay beds and hot springs. It can also be found in caves as stalactites and stalagmites. |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent |
| Cleavage | Perfect in one direction |
| Mohs Hardness | 2 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.3. |
| Diagnostic Properties | Transparent, often in blade-like crystals. |
| Chemical Composition | CaSO4·2H2O |
| Pleochroism | Not observed in selenite. |
| Crystal System | Monoclinic (variety of Gypsum) |
| Optical Properties | Biaxial (-) |
| Refractive Index | 1.519 |
| Birefringence | 0.009 |
| 2V angle | Measured: 58° |
| Dispersion | Not typically noted for selenite as it's not a key feature of this stone. |