Is selenite really selenite?

I’ve learned that the selenite that I own really is satin spar! Authentic selenite is more clear. Satin spar is a milky white color and rod shaped. I know there are a lot of ‘fake’ crystals but why selenite? Its still in the same category called gypsum. I forget the exact properties but I’ll find and attach the link where I found my info. Bottom line, be careful and research your crystals!

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SeleniteEdit

  • most often transparent and colorless: it is named after Greek σεληνη “the moon”.
  • if selenite crystals show translucency, opacity, and/or color, it is caused by the presence of other minerals, sometimes in druse
  • druse is the crust of tiny, minute, or micro crystals that form or fuse either within or upon the surface of a rock vug, geode, or another crystal

Satin sparEdit

  • most often silky, fibrous, and translucent (pearly, milky); can exhibit some coloration
  • the satin spar name can also be applied to fibrous calcite (a related calcium mineral) – calcite is a harder mineral – and feels greasier, waxier, or oilier to the touch.
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https://images.app.goo.gl/ryt3xcV3f1mFpqf37
Satin spar vs Selenite images

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Thanks for doing this research and very interesting topic!!

I think that in metaphysical circles they are regarded as the same mineral because indeed they are both a form of of gypsum but crystallized differently.

More images I found here:

Selenitex3_large SatinSparx3_large

Like you mentioned: if it looks glassy, it’s called Selenite

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Thanks for the info! I believe that it’s not right when someone buys selenite and you end up getting something that’s not exactly what you wanted. Bc they have different properties. A couple are the same but it’s not the point. Ya know.

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I never realized this. Although I’ve never owned any Satin spar that I know of… I will be checking my Selenite this evening on account of this post.
Thank you for sharing this :pray::sparkles:

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No problem! Just thought that all should be aware of this!

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You’re right! It’s misleading and that’s not fair.

I did some more research and it seems that Selenite is usually more rare than Satin Spar so it tends to be more expensive. :moneybag:

However, according to the mineral database Mindat.org, the name ‘Selenite’ is mostly synonymous with gypsum, which could be either one (Selenite and Satin Spar ar both gypsum).

It would be interesting to find out what variety the ancient Greeks were talking about when they named Selenite after Selene, the goddess of the Moon!

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Yes! That would be nice! And it should be more clear as to which type of gypsum has said properties as opposed to just ‘selenite’. Thanks for doing more research!

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Ugh. I am pretty sure most of mine is actually Satin Spar. Figures! This is why we can’t have any nice things.

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All of mine are too!!

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Hmm wouldn’t the reason they named Selenite after the Goddess of the Moon, is that it is shiny white? The Satin Spar is more like the moon than the Selenite Crystal, I just don’t see the moon as being see through…just my take on it. All of my “selenite” is satin spar, there is some reason they are allowed to get away with calling it selenite…hmmm

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I believe mine are all satin spar also. It’s so difficult when just starting out to know who to trust and who not to. I’ve tried really hard to do my research but I’m still not convinced that some of my crystals are What they say they are. Unfortunately I don’t have any actual brick and mortar stores to go to so most of my purchases are online.

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Thank you so much for doing the research and sharing, @christina4! I don’t have any in my current collection, but I’ll keep an eye out for Satin Spar/Selentie mix-ups in the future. Thanks for brining this to attention! :+1:

I totally agree. It’s one thing if you buy it from a source that doesn’t claim to be reliable- like a yard sale or given by a friend. But if the shop advertises it as one type of crystal- it really should be what they claim it is!

I know the feeling, @jill! I asked for some recommendations a while back and got some good and reputable places to buy crystals online- you may be interested in checking out some of the shops that everyone shared! :shopping:

Happy crystal shopping! :gem::grin:

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Mind blowing! I’m pretty sure the long one I’ve been using to clear for years now is satin spar :frowning:

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I grew up in Worcester :slight_smile: Love Seed to Stem.

Removed my other recommendation. Just checked their online store and they are selling “Moroccan Selenite” which apparently is actually satin spar. Super disappointing. Thanks again for pointing out this issue.

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I don’t have any metaphysical shops either and I buy online as well. I purchase from small shops bc I know they’re authentic and who I purchase from actually use them as well. I could give you a couple shops that I trust if you’d like. Let me know and I can give you my email.

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I would love that! My email is ********

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Ok I just sent an email with the info!!

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I only have the long kind aka rods. And they too are satin spar. Now I’m ordering the real deal!! Let’s find out the difference. Bc I can feel the vibrations quite easily and quickly.

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