SELENITE CRYSTALS

SELENITE CRYSTALS

The word Selenite is derived from the Greek word Selene which means "Moon" because of its moon-like luster. This white or light green luster was highly esteemed by the ancient people of Egypt, Greece and Rome. In Greek mythology, Selene is the goddess of the moon.

The Greeks called Selenite SELENITIS LITHOS, meaning Stone of Selene, because they believed that Selenite waxes and wanes with the moon.

Selenite is a form of gypsum which is a sulphate mineral. It is an evaporate rock that forms after a body of water has evaporated, leaving behind the chemicals that were present in the water.

Gypsum crystals are colorless (such as selenite), white (or pearly – like satin spar), gray, brown, beige, orange, pink, yellow, light red, and green. Colors are caused by the presence of other mineral inclusions such as copper ores, sulfur and sulfides, silver, iron ores, coal, calcite, dolomite and opal.

Selenite refers specifically to the transparent and colorless variety of gypsum. However, it can also refer to the other different crystalline varieties of gypsum which are Satin Spar, Desert Rose and Gypsum Flower.

Satin Spar is silky, fibrous and translucent with a pearl-like appearance. It can come in other colors.

Desert Rose is the colloquial name given to rose-like formations of crystal clusters of gypsum or baryte which include abundant sand grains. Desert Rose are often dusty rose, reddish or brown in color.

The difference between Desert Roses and Gypsum Flowers is that Desert Roses look like roses, whereas Gypsum Flowers form a myriad of shapes.

Selenite has a hardness of 2 on the Mohs scale. These stones are brittle and soft due to the water present in their structure. This is the most important identifying characteristic of gypsum, as any variety of gypsum can be easily scratched with a fingernail. Gypsum crystals, like Selenite, also feel warm to the touch as gypsum has natural thermal insulating properties.

Selenite has been a highly prized mineral by the ancient Egyptian culture for centuries. Mainly used for fertility and rebirth, the stone was polished into an egg shape and buried in tombs to help guide the souls of the dead into the afterlife.

Gypsum was also used by the ancient Egyptians for decorative purposes. Greeks appreciated the beauty of selenite so much that they made windows with the stone.

The Santa Sabina Church in Rome has large arched windows that are made of sheets of Selenite instead of glass. As Selenite form in thin tubular sheets it was used the same way as we use glass for window panes. Selenite was a very important trade commodity between Rome, Spain, Cyprus, Cappadocia, and other important trade centers of the ancient world.

Ancient Mesopotamian cultures used selenite in rituals and to ward off evil spirits. In an ancient Mesopotamian ritual text written on four tablets in cuneiform known as Bīt Mēseri, it was recorded that Selenite was placed outside the sickrooms to keep evil spirits away.

In the same way, Selenite is often used for grid formation to protect your home from negative energy or place it in different corners of any room to create a space that is well protected and promotes clarity.

The colorlessness and translucent nature of selenite represents peace and purity. It is a stone of truth as it gives mental clarity and allows the wearer to see the truths instead of delusions. Selenite also attracts love and restores peace among quarrelsome friends and lovers.

Gypsum dune fields are found on the surface of Mars as well: could this be the reason that Selenite vibrates at a very high frequency, despite being a 2 on Mohs hardness scale?

Selenite crystal absorbs electromagnetic radiation and converts it into negative ions acting as a powerful energy cleanser for any space. Within our body, the ions are believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, which in turn alleviates depression, relieves stress and boosts energy.

Selenite is also known as a liquid crystal. Selenite properties embody the essence of light, bringing purifying white light into the body to heal the auric field. It is a conduit in which one can connect to their guides and higher self.

As it is one of the highest vibrations of all crystals, Selenite is self-clearing and self-charging. It does not hold onto any negativity, instead it amplifies positive energy of all crystals set upon it.

Selenite is used by healers today to cleanse the body, mind and spirit of persons suffering from ailments caused by the mental, physical and emotional stress. It unblocks stuck energy and releases karmic attachment to the past.

Selenite forms in huge massive deposits.

The most famous mine of gypsum Selenite is found in the Naica Mine in Chihuahua, Mexico. This mine is known as the Cave of the Crystals and it contains massive selenite crystals measuring more than 12 meters in length which made these the largest and unique natural crystals ever found anywhere in the world.

Selenite the mineral can also be found in Poland, Russia, Greece, Japan, Australia, Brazil, and in the United States.

Selenite is water soluble. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid washing it with water. A dry cloth cleaning will suffice.

Selenite should be kept away from other stones and materials to prevent it being scratched.