How Is Selenite Formed? Understanding Selenite

All over the world, there are many cultures of people who believe that Selenite has powerful healing properties. People also believe that if you are a collector of gemstones or crystals, Selenite is one that you must have. Selenite is believed to have potent energy, which can improve the well-being of the wearer and provide protection to them. If you wear Selenite, it will help cleanse any harmful and unwanted energy around you.

The name “selenite” is synonymous with gypsum, and Selenite is the crystallized form of gypsum. Selenite is primarily found in translucent form and is a multifaceted stone. It is a soft stone, and its hardness is found to be two on the Mohs scale. There are several forms of gypsum; the most common is satin spar. People often get confused between Selenite and satin spar. Since satin spar is more readily available and looks similar, getting confused between the two is a common mistake.

Satin Spar vs Selenite

If you are keen on Selenite and its properties, you should first understand the difference between the Satin spar and Selenite. Unless you know the difference, you would not be able to distinguish between the two. While Selenite is generally translucent or transparent and colourless, the satin spar is primarily white. It can sometimes even have a silky or translucent yet milky or pearly appearance. Selenite is found in the form of distinct crystals, but a satin spar is a fibrous form of gypsum. However, they look very similar. You can sometimes find satin spar in the orange or peach variation, which is not true for Selenite.

History of Selenite

Before you start understanding more about Selenite and how it is formed, it is essential to know about its origins. In Ancient Greek, people used to refer to Selenite as “selenites lithos”, meaning moonstone. The stone was named after the Greek goddess of the moon, named Selene. The meaning of selenite crystal is also derived from the goddess herself. Since the goddess signifies vitality, love and tranquillity, the meaning of Selenite is no different.

Healers in those ages used Selenite in various rituals that helped increase general wellness and promote healing. They also used Selenite outside sick homes. Besides the physical benefits of Selenite, it also has spiritual and metaphysical benefits. Selenite crystals can help the wearer ward off negative energy and attract positive energy. In addition, these stones bring harmony and awareness to those who possess these stones.

How is Selenite formed?

Now, you will learn more about how Selenite is formed. Selenite starts to form when there is an accumulation of salt after saltwater evaporates.

When saltwater builds up or accumulates in a place for millions of years and then starts to evaporate, it leaves behind a layer of salt. As this process repeats, the water in the area gets more concentrated with a high saline solution. Finally, if the area of accumulation is a cool environment and gypsum is present, it starts to crystallize.

Since the process of forming Selenite starts in a wet environment, the crystals trap particles of sand and trace amounts of other minerals when they are solidified. Therefore, though Selenite is generally translucent, the colour depends on the condition and environment in which it is formed. For instance, if the crystals have more sand in them, the colour of Selenite would be translucent, while the presence of iron leads to a tan-coloured selenite crystal.

Selenite can usually be found in the sedimentary layers of places that once were covered in saltwater. One might discover selenite crystals attached to sedimentary rocks. Sometimes, they can also be found as individual crystals in areas with clay.

Conclusion

Of course, you don’t have to hunt for selenite crystals out in the wild, as you will find plenty online. You can get these crystals in several forms, such as worry stones, pendants and tealight holders. Since you know all about the history and origins of Selenite, it’s time that you enjoy its benefits too!