Selenite Crystal: Meaning, Healing Properties & Benefits
APRIL 17, 2024
What is Selenite Crystal?
Selenite crystal stands as a unique variety of gypsum, a soft mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate. Often called “liquid light,” selenite’s name captures its essence. Its radiant appearance, akin to natural light, and fluid energy contribute to this vivid title—a simplified representation of its unique appearance and energetic nature.
Among crystal enthusiasts, selenite holds a significant place in healing practices, and rightly so. This tender stone serves as a symbol of gentleness, prompting us to embrace kindness in our journey—both towards ourselves and others.
One the most notable selenite meaning and healing properties is its role as an energetic cleanser. Often regarded as the go-to stone for cleansing and purifying energies, selenite acts as a natural conduit for dispelling negativity and inviting positivity. Its soft radiance aligns with its ability to cleanse spaces, objects, and even the spirit. Just as light illuminates the darkness, selenite illuminates the paths to clarity and renewal.
Selenite Pronunciation
Selenite is pronounced as sell-uh-nite. This crystal is intertwined with Greek mythology, having been named after the Greek goddess of the moon, “Selene.” Often depicted with a crescent moon adorning her head, Selene gracefully rode her chariot across the celestial skies each night.
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Selenite Crystal Meaning & Healing Properties
The key selenite meanings are cleansing, positivity, emotional wellbeing and mental clarity.
Feeling mentally foggy, weighed down, or low on energy? Think of selenite as a reset button for your mind and body. By clearing out stuck energies, it brings a sense of lightness and mental clarity, helping you feel more energetic and ready to take on life’s challenges.
CLEANSING AND PURIFICATION
Selenite crystal is like an energy janitor, sweeping away negativity and making room for fresh, positive energy to flow in. It’s not just you that benefits—your surroundings and belongings can feel refreshed too.
POSITIVE ENERGY
As a powerful crystal, selenite operates at a high frequency, which has a direct impact on your own energy levels. Crystal healers believe that when you’re in the company of high-frequency stones like selenite, they have the incredible ability to elevate your energy, resulting in an uplifted mood.
EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
When worries and anxieties pile up, selenite steps in to help. It guides good energy in and helps ease away those anxious feelings. If your emotions feel all over the place, selenite can help stabilize them, clear up confusion, and give you the strength to make decisions.
MENTAL CLARITY AND INTUITION
Imagine your mind as a foggy window suddenly wiped clean. Selenite brings this kind of clarity, making it easier to think and make decisions. It’s also like a direct line to your intuition, helping you tap into your inner wisdom. This is why selenite is often used for past life recall, and connecting to the divine.
Selenite Properties & Physical Characteristics
Selenite crystal holds a delicate nature, ranking only 2 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It’s so soft that it can be scratched with a fingernail, so careful handling is essential when handling. Additionally, like other salts, selenite is water soluble – this means that if left in water, selenite crystals will dissolve.
In a technical sense, the term “selenite” pertains to colorless, translucent, or transparent varieties of gypsum. Various properties may give rise to different mineralogical names; for instance, exceptionally white and pearly forms are often referred to as satin spar. Despite these distinctions, they all stem from the same crystal foundation.
Selenite boasts a glassy or pearly luster and, when polished or illuminated, reveals a captivating radiant quality. Some specimens even exhibit fluorescence under UV light, rendering each piece truly exceptional. The colors of fluorescence—white, yellow, or blue—depend on the impurities present within the crystal.
SELENITE FORMULA – CaSO4·2H2O
SELENITE HARDNESS – 2 on Mohs scale of hardness
SELENITE COLOR – Usually a white crystal, but can have tints of brown, grey, green, yellow, red, blue, peach, or orange
STREAK – White
LUSTER – Vitreous to pearly
CLEAVAGE – Perfect in one direction
Types of Selenite
Selenite, a type of gypsum, manifests in various distinct forms, each with its own unique characteristics. These include:
SELENITE
A transparent form of gypsum, composed of long thin, blade-like crystals. It’s a rarer form of gypsum (compared to widely abundant satin spar).
SATIN SPAR
Known for its pearly, fibrous texture and cat’s eye (chatoyant) appearance. It feels soft and smooth to the touch, often used for decorations and carvings.
DESERT ROSE
Shaped like a desert rose, this variety carries an earthy quality due to sand inclusions. Its clusters resemble petals and rosettes.
GYPSUM FLOWER
Delicate and intricate formations resembling flowers, formed through the gradual mineral-rich water precipitation in underground environments.
Depending on elemental impurities present, selenite can exhibit faint color hues like white, brown, grey, green, yellow, red, blue, peach, and orange.
Where is Selenite Found?
Selenite deposits can be found worldwide, with some of the most notable locations including:
MEXICO
The Naica Mine in Chihuahua is renowned for its massive selenite crystals, (the largest ever found was 12 meters long and weighed 55 tons!) These crystals are found deep within a hot, humid, and mineral-rich cave system.
MOROCCO
The Tafilalt region near Erfoud and Ouarzazate produces sought-after clear, transparent crystals that are highly valued by collectors.
UNITED STATES
Selenite can be found in various states, including New Mexico’s White Sands National Monument, the Salt Plains in Oklahoma (where you can even dig for your own crystals), as well as in Utah, Nevada, and California.
BRAZIL
Regions like Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul yield high-quality transparent selenite crystals.
POLAND
The historic Wieliczka Salt Mine boasts impressive selenite formations. The mine has existed for hundreds of years and is a very popular tourist destination.
OTHER COUNTRIES
Selenite is also discovered in countries such as Spain, Italy, Germany, Australia, China, and Canada.
How to Tell if Selenite is Real
Selenite is a unique crystal and there are several ways to tell that it’s genuine.
| CHARACTERISTIC | REAL SELENITE | FAKE SELENITE |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Feels warm to the touch due to thermal insulating properties | Feels cold to the touch |
| Surface | May have natural impurities, inclusions, fractures | Appears flawless, super transparent |
| Hardness | Can be scratched with a fingernail | Cannot be scratched with a fingernail |
| Color | Natural color, may have slight hues | May have vivid and unnatural color |
| Melting Reaction | Will not melt when poked with a hot needle | Melts or deforms when poked with a hot needle |
| Transparency | Can have some level of cloudiness or imperfections | May have air bubbles or appear too clear |
Keep in mind that natural selenite is widely available and reasonably priced, making the occurrence of fakes quite rare. This is particularly true for smaller items like wands and bowls. Crafting a fake selenite piece would be more effort than it’s worth. Occasionally, satin spar is labeled as selenite, not with the intention to deceive, but because both are variations of the same mineral—gypsum.
What is Selenite Used for? – Benefits & Uses
Selenite is a valuable addition to any crystal healing toolkit, offering a range of benefits that can easily be integrated into everyday life. Here’s how you can incorporate selenite’s benefits into your wellness routine.
HOW TO CLEANSE CRYSTALS WITH SELENITE
Selenite is commonly used for cleansing other crystals. Placing your crystals on or near selenite can help clear their energies. Selenite bowls and plates work well for this purpose as it’s generally believed that the more contact a crystal has with the selenite, the more effectively it can be cleansed. Allow your crystals to rest on selenite for about 24 hours to cleanse them.
The same process can be used to charge your crystals with selenite.
SELENITE AFFIRMATIONS
The following selenite affirmations reinforce the crystals healing properties and meanings:
- Positive energy surrounds me
- Good energy flows into my life, bad energy flows out
- My mind is calm and clear
- I can make decisions with confidence
- I am releasing anything that does not serve me
SELENITE INTENTIONS AND MANIFESTING
Use selenite for setting intentions. Hold the selenite in your hand, close your eyes and repeat your chosen intention. Then, open your eyes. The crystal has now been set with your chosen intention.
MEDITATING WITH SELENITE
Incorporate selenite into your meditation practice to facilitate the release of negativity and invite in positive energy.
To do a simple routine, lay down and place the selenite crystal above your head (crown chakra).
For more advanced users, arrange 6 selenite rods around your body for a high energy alignment.
PLACE SELENITE OVER A DOORWAY
Place a piece of selenite over the doorway of your home or office, to act as an energetic cleanse for anyone who enters the room.
CLEARING AN ENERGY BLOCK
Use a selenite wand to help clear an energy block. Hold the selenite wand in front of the body, pointing away from you. This allows the block to be drawn out.
YOGA
Enhance your yoga practice by placing a selenite crystal on the edge of your mat during meditation. Let your gaze occasionally rest upon the crystal, allowing its gentle presence to remind you to extend kindness to yourself.
JOURNALING
Embrace selenite’s healing properties related to mental clarity as you journal. A clear mind will facilitate the graceful flow of your creativity and emotions onto the pages.
IN THE BATH
Bring your selenite to the bath, allowing you to cleanse your mind and body simultaneously. Remember to position it safely out of the water, as selenite is water soluble and can dissolve if submerged.
AS JEWELRY OR ON THE GO
Incorporating selenite into your daily routine is as easy as wearing it as jewelry. This portable method ensures you carry its purifying energy wherever you go. However, remember that selenite is delicate, so handle it with care when using it as jewelry and remember not to get it wet (including sweat from skin).
Caring for Your Crystal
Just like any other crystal, selenite can also absorb negative energy. While there’s a belief that it doesn’t need cleansing, that’s simply not true. Cleansing and charging selenite is an important step in maintaining its purifying properties.
Some individuals prefer to keep separate selenite pieces for cleansing other stones and personal use, but the choice is yours.
How to Cleanse Selenite
Cleansing your selenite crystal can be done using various methods. Below are several options to choose from – go with the one that resonates with you:
MOONLIGHT – Let your selenite absorb the light of a full moon overnight, refreshing and purifying its energy.
BREATHWORK – Close your eyes, hold the selenite, and inhale deeply through your nostrils. Exhale forcefully onto the stone to restore its energy.
SMUDGING – Hold the crystal in one hand and pass the smoke from burning sage, cedar, lavender, or sweetgrass over it, purifying and rejuvenating its energy.
SOUND THERAPY – Use the calming sounds of bells, singing bowls, or chanting to cleanse your selenite.
Can selenite go in water for cleansing?
No! Selenite should not be immersed in water for cleansing. With a Mohs hardness rating of only 2, selenite is too soft for water exposure. It is also water soluble, which means it can dissolve if it comes into contact with moisture or water. Generally, only stones with a Mohs rating of 6 or higher are recommended for water cleansing.
How to Charge Selenite
Some of the methods of charging your selenite crystal overlap with those of cleansing it. Here are some easy ways to charge (or active) selenite.
MOONLIGHT – Summon the spirit of the moon by placing your crystal outside overnight, allowing it to absorb the lunar energy and regain its vitality.
IN THE EARTH – Connect your crystal with the earth’s energy by burying it for 24 hours in rich soil. Place it in a container to avoid the crystal getting dirty or wet.
SOUND THERAPY – Activate your crystal using the resonating tones of bells, singing bowls, or chanting.
CLEAR QUARTZ – Utilize the potent energy of clear quartz to charge your selenite. Place your selenite on top of or nearby clear quartz.
Selenite Chakra Placements
Selenite is associated with the higher chakras, specifically the crown chakra.
The body can be thought of as an energetic temple, with seven unique chakras that dance along the spine. These chakras are the body’s energy hubs – absorbing, transforming and radiating energy throughout the body. By keeping them in balance, we can tap into our inner wisdom, ignite our passions and elevate our wellbeing.
CROWN CHAKRA – The seventh chakra, known as the crown chakra, connects us to the spiritual realm and universal wisdom. An open crown chakra leaves us feeling peaceful, and connected to our true self. And a blocked crown chakra leads to feelings of fogginess, and an unwillingness to accept new ideas.
Selenite’s cleansing properties mirror the crown chakra’s role in decluttering the mind. The crystal’s emotional stability properties align with the chakra’s impact on overall well-being, while its mental clarity properties resonate with the chakra’s function of unlocking spiritual insights and intuition. Thus, selenite serves as an aiding companion to the crown chakra, facilitating the journey towards enlightenment and divine connection.
Birthstone & Zodiac Associations
While there isn’t an official selenite zodiac association, it particularly resonates with individuals born under the Cancer sun sign.
Cancer individuals are known for their strong intuition and empathetic nature, often attuned to the emotions and needs of others. Selenite’s intuitive healing properties can amplify this inherent quality, enhancing their understanding of emotions.
However, Cancers’ sensitivity can lead them to hold onto negative energies, which can contribute to stress and anxiety. Here, selenite’s powerful cleansing abilities come into play. By clearing away negativity, it paves the way for positive energy to flourish, providing a supportive balance for Cancers’ emotional well-being.
Selenite Crystal Pairings
Combining selenite with other crystals not only enhances its unique properties but also creates powerful effects, unlocking ‘new’ benefits as the crystals work together.
1. SELENITE AND BLACK TOURMALINE
A dynamic duo for personal strength. Selenite’s clarity and negativity-dissolving nature align perfectly with black tourmaline’s security and stability, empowering you to tackle challenges with confidence.
2. SELENITE & AMETHYST
Both crown chakra crystals, these two amplify your connection to the divine. Selenite’s clarity harmonizes with amethyst crystal‘s intuitive abilities, resulting in clear insights and spiritual growth.
3. SELENITE & CARNELIAN
Need motivation and clarity? Blend selenite and carnelian crystals together. Selenite provides mental clarity, while carnelian ignites motivation, propelling you forward in your endeavors.
4. SELENITE & ROSE QUARTZ
A serene combination for love and positivity. Selenite’s cleansing qualities merge with rose quartz’s love-promoting energy, creating a nurturing environment for healing and self-love.
A Final Note
Selenite stands as an indispensable tool in the realm of crystal healing. With its unique ability to function as a reset button for your entire being, it gracefully clears away the accumulated negativity that touches us all.
Moreover, selenite takes on the role of a potent cleanser for other crystals, purifying the negative energies they may absorb. Pairing selenite with other crown chakra crystals enhances their power, facilitating a profound connection to the divine.
For a gentle yet profound experience of purification and mental clarity, invite the radiant presence of selenite, also known as the “liquid light,” into your life.
