Selenite is a white mineral with a beautiful silky shine. It is named after the Moon Goddess because of its unusual iridescence, similar to the glow of moonlight. Selenite is associated with many superstitions and mysterious stories involving supernatural forces.
History and origin
Possessing a magical lunar glow, the mineral is named after Selene, the ancient Greek goddess of the Moon. The stone has been officially known under this name only since 1817.
Before this, it was popularly called “Kiss of the Moon,” oriental alabaster, and Egyptian stone. Nowadays, it is also called moonstone (translated from Greek, “selenite” means lunar), but mineralogists call another mineral by this name - Adularia.
This is interesting: The name of selenite in some countries depends on the location, as well as the color of the rock. Thus, a stone found off the coast of the White Sea will be called belomorite, and a black sample will be called labradorite.
The thread of the origin of the stone stretches back to ancient times. Archaeological finds dating back to the 8th century BC indicate that selenite was already used to make dishes and jewelry. Ancient magical rituals were accompanied by products made from this mineral; shamans used it during sacrifices.
Medieval chronicles have not lost the chain of references. Selenite was used to make church utensils. In the paintings of famous artists you can see interior items made from this mineral, decorating noble houses.
Later, by the middle of the 19th century, selenite gained popularity in Russia. Samples of the snow-white color were found in the Perm region, and were soon used to decorate the St. Petersburg Winter Palace. Since then, every Russian home has been decorated with a figurine or craft made from this extraordinary mineral.
Field
Selenite is widely distributed on planet Earth. It is formed as a result of processes occurring in rocks during weathering of sea water. Marine areas dry out and the chemical residue consists of crystallized minerals.
In Russia, the gem is mined in the Perm region on the Iren River. There are several active mines where stone is extracted.
The largest samples of selenite were discovered in Mexico in the Cave of Crystals, connected to the Nike mine complex. Giant selenite crystals weighing 55 tons were found there. The conditions in the cave are unbearable for humans: air temperature +60C with humidity 90%. Even with special equipment, mining is very difficult.
Mineral deposits are being developed in the countries of Australia, Germany, France, and Canada. High-quality material is mined in Sri Lanka.
The gem is mined by open-pit mining. Prospectors remove turf, gypsum and illiquid layers of mineral located on top. Upper selenite does not have collectible characteristics, it is weathered and is not suitable for use in jewelry. High-quality ornamental selenite is found in the fourth layer. To get to it, prospectors cut small holes and climb into adits created by nature. They expose themselves to danger, because the fortifications are unreliable and collapses occur frequently.
Physical properties of the mineral
Minerologists classify selenite as a gypsum rock. The structure, consisting of tightly fused thin fibers, gives the stone an extraordinary shine and silky shimmer. The optical effect of a running light strip makes it a distant relative of the cat's eye.
Selenite is a very brittle stone. It is easy to scratch with a fingernail, but the softness of the material has its advantages when processing and sanding it. Most samples of the mineral are transparent, which causes the lunar glow effect.
However, there are specimens with inclusions of organic impurities, clay, sand, hematite or sulfur, since the rock itself is the result of fossilization of sediments in the territories of former seas.
| Property | Description |
| Formula | CaSO4•2H2O |
| Hardness | 1,5—2,0 |
| Density | 2.31—2.33 g/cm³ |
| singonia | Monoclinic. |
| Cleavage | Perfect. |
| Transparency | Transparent and translucent. |
| Color | White, gray, sometimes colored with impurities in yellowish, bluish or pinkish shades. |
Areas of application
Selenite pig
Selenite is used as an inexpensive ornamental stone for the manufacture of carved artistic and household products - sculptural figurines, souvenirs, beads and inserts.
Psychologists and hypnotists willingly buy selenite pendulums. Magicians, psychics, and fortune tellers consider selenite stone a good material for amulets, amulets, and talismans.
The well-known stone-cutting industry in the Urals owes its appearance and development to Selenite; the Ural Stone-Cutting Plant, the Kungur Art Products Plant and the Kungur Stone-Cutting Art School are engaged in the processing of this stone.
Artwork made from iridescent golden selenite is presented in many museums and exhibited at many Russian and international exhibitions.
Selenite is easy to grind and polishes well. But products can quickly rub and lose polish due to low hardness, and then require new polishing.
Medicinal properties
The healers of Ancient Greece believed in the healing power of selenite. They considered this stone a gift from the god of healing to earthlings, calling it the Crystal of Apollo, capable of giving a person strength, as well as good health.
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In India, mediums cured people from nightmares, restoring a calm, peaceful sleep. The healing powers of the stone are attributed to the ability to heal the soul and mind, to drive out anger, rage, aggression, and irritability from a person.
This is interesting: There is an ancient belief that in the deep nights under the moonlight the stone exudes tears, which are endowed with healing properties.
Tibetan healers discovered the healing power of the mineral, using it for massages, lotions, inhalations, and also curing gallbladder ailments, removing stones from it.
The ancient Egyptians used selenite powder as an anti-aging agent to maintain elasticity and firmness of the skin, and the Sumerians used the mineral to treat fractures and open wounds.
Modern lithotherapy highlights a number of healing benefits of selenite:
- improving the functioning of the reproductive system, treating infertility;
- quickly relieves emotional and mental stress;
- treats inflammation of the kidneys and bladder;
- helps get rid of headaches, lower blood pressure, and in powder form - lower body temperature;
- normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- calms the nerves, helps get rid of depression, apathy, despondency, puts you in a positive emotional mood;
- with prolonged contemplation of selenite, vision improves;
- Selenite strengthens bones and teeth, and also increases joint mobility and elasticity of ligaments;
- a positive effect is known for pulmonary diseases, fainting, and epileptic seizures.
In addition, selenite helps to recover from diseases associated with disruption of the endocrine system, and also helps with anemia. The mineral has a positive effect on human mental activity.
Magical properties of lunar selenite
Once upon a time, selenite was considered a feminine stone. But later his influence on the stronger half of humanity was revealed. If the mineral makes girls sophisticated and dreamy, then it will awaken determination and courage in guys. The owner of selenite will be able to forever get rid of manias and fears, gain the ability to speak eloquently, develop intuition, and reveal talents.
Selenite is a sacred stone of the Hindus. According to ancient legends, this stone was only allowed to be used by Mesopotamian priests, who wore the crystals under their tongues.
During the full moon, special rituals were held, during which the clergy could lift the veil of the future. Their prophecies were immortalized by chroniclers, admiring the amazing gift of clairvoyance.
Modern esotericists also know other magical abilities of selenite:
- the owner of the stone will eventually be distinguished by a strong will and amazing memory;
- Selenite brings harmony to family relationships, restores lost tenderness of feelings, helps smooth out conflicts;
- over time, the owner of the stone becomes kinder, more sentimental, and acquires childlike dreaminess;
- a stone framed with silver will help creative people develop their imagination, open up an endless flight of imagination, and develop talents;
- Selenite will give a person caution, the ability to foresee danger, while thinking soberly; The stone will also help to convict the deceiver with his unclean intentions.
It is believed that selenite is endowed with lunar energy, so it is most close to people born during the full moon.
Jewelry with mineral
The nugget is popular among jewelers. Inserts for all kinds of decorations are made from it, framing the stone with various metals. Common white mineral samples that are affordable are widely used:
- A silver ring with a selenite insert will cost no more than 1,500 rubles when purchased.
- Earrings have a similar price as rings.
- Pendants, brooches, and pendants are valued at no more than 1,000 rubles.
- Beads of medium length will cost about 1000 rubles.
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The cost of jewelry may vary depending on the complexity of the design and the rarity of the stone. White selenite is cheaper, pink, greenish and other shades are more expensive.
Where else is it used?
Natural gypsum-selenite.
The stone also has industrial purposes and is used in various industries.
For example, the chemical and medical industries make binders from it, the mechanical engineering industry makes various foundry molds, and the pulp and paper industry makes paints. And, of course, in construction, selenite is used as an ornamental material.
Color varieties
The most common white crystals in nature are selenite. The combination of color and unusual glow, in fact, gave rise to its second name “moonstone”.
There are also rarer, but no less beautiful specimens of pink, blue, light yellow, gray and pale green shades. The rarest specimen is considered to be black selenite - labradorite. If you look closely at this stone, you can contemplate the mystery of a dark moonlit night.
Fake or real
Selenite is considered an ornamental stone. There are many deposits of it in nature, so it has a low cost. It would seem that there is no need to create artificial copies. However, you can still find imitation minerals on sale.
A synthetic fake is a silicate semi-liquid mass with impurities that are interspersed longitudinally to achieve the desired effect. Then this mass is turned into an artificial crystal, and after grinding and processing the finished product comes out. You can still distinguish such a product from the original:
- Firstly, the cost is very low - if a natural stone is affordable, then a fake will cost a penny.
- Secondly, strength. The natural mineral is very soft, fragile, and is easily scratched by a fingernail, which cannot be said about its synthetic counterpart.
- Thirdly, the size of the product. Of course, when it comes to jewelry, this criterion is not taken into account. But if these are crafts or figurines, then their size cannot exceed 30 cm - due to its fragility, it is simply impossible to make large products from selenite.
It is worth paying attention to the fact that any dubious counter does not guarantee quality. For beautiful, natural products, it is better to go to a jewelry store, where you can get complete information about any product.
This is interesting!
We bring to your attention some more interesting facts about the stone:
- According to legend, the white speck on selenite waxes and wanes according to the lunar cycle, and on a full moon the stone can cry.
- The most valuable rocks are those extracted on the island of Sri Lanka.
- Experts believe that gem crystals hide information about the future of our planet.
- Selenite is able to purify itself without any help if moonlight falls on it.
Caring for stone products
Since selenite is a fragile and soft material, already at the production stage after the product is made, it is coated with a transparent varnish, but this does not make it super durable, so it is better to treat jewelry made from the mineral more carefully.
Storage is allowed in a closed soft box, away from other, more durable stones to avoid scratches. This nugget also does not like exposure to ultraviolet radiation and excessive moisture.
This is interesting: From a magical point of view, selenite should not be washed under running water so that it does not lose its energy. It is better to place the stone under the light of the full moon so that it is charged with the necessary strength and energy.
As for cleaning without superstitions, a soap solution and a soft sponge will do. This procedure is carried out no more than twice a year, after which the product must be wiped dry.
How to care?
Due to the great fragility of the stone, it is recommended to clean the selenite annually with a sponge and soap solution, and after this, thoroughly wipe it with velvet or flannel and cover it with a layer of colorless protective varnish.
The box in which selenite jewelry is stored must have a soft interior and should be located separately from other jewelry.
A prerequisite for increasing the life of a gem is protection from moisture and ultraviolet rays.
Compatibility with names and zodiac signs
In astrology, selenite is considered universal - any representative of the Zodiac can wear it. But so that the stone is not just a neutral, ineffective decoration, it is better to wear it for representatives of certain signs.
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Selenite and Zodiac
(“++” – the stone fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated):
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
| Aries | + |
| Taurus | + |
| Twins | ++ |
| Cancer | ++ |
| a lion | + |
| Virgo | — |
| Scales | + |
| Scorpion | ++ |
| Sagittarius | + |
| Capricorn | + |
| Aquarius | ++ |
| Fish | ++ |
The undisputed favorite of the stone is Cancer. He has ideal compatibility with representatives of this sign - the mineral will reveal all its magical abilities to them. The “moon kiss” will become a special talisman for people going through difficult financial times.
The power of the mineral does not bypass representatives of the signs Scorpio and Pisces. The first talisman promises deliverance from negativity, a surge of happiness, and success in all endeavors. Pisces will be able to gain courage and self-confidence.
Representatives of other signs can also wear such amulets - they will not bring them any harm. But the stone will reveal its maximum abilities when a suitable zodiac sign and a creative personality come together in one person. The mineral is strong as a talisman for clergy.
Patron of names
Astrologers identify two main names patronized by selenite:
- Victor, Artyom, Alexander, Gennady. Men with such names are purposeful in life, and also very impulsive. Selenite will help them moderate their ardor, gain balance, prudence, and concentrate their attention on more important points, so as not to chop wood in the heat of the moment. As for family relationships, the stone will help you become more attentive to your loved ones and express your love for them more sensually.
- Polina, Marina, Victoria. Sometimes a woman simply needs to find more softness, sensuality, and pliability. For them, selenite will be the best assistant in the fight against selfishness and gaining feminine prudence. The prudence that such a talisman will show will protect girls with this name from rash decisions during difficult life situations.
There are several more names that are patronized by the “kiss of the moon”:
- Bella. Girls with this name are incredibly charming, but very changeable in nature. The talisman that will bring order and harmony into her life will be belomorite (a type of selenite).
- Yana. For women with this name, a rare specimen of the mineral - black labradorite - is suitable. It will help pacify the hot fervor of emotions, childish capriciousness, and relieve Yana of illusions.
- Leonid. For him, like Yana, the Labrador will serve as a talisman, giving peace to family relationships, as well as prudence in decision-making.
Whatever name or sign the stone is suitable for, it is important to remember that continuous long-term wearing of the amulet can turn any of its properties into reverse. Then the owner will become lazy and less dynamic. Therefore, it is better to give rest to both yourself and the amulet in order to replenish the energy of both.
Who suits the name
Pear selenite 8.5 cm
Selenite distinguishes among all people the bearers of the following names:
- Alexander and Artem, Gennady and Victor - these men are distinguished by ambition, impulsiveness and determination. The lunar gem will somewhat pacify their temper, tell them where it is better to “not interfere”, so as not to run into trouble, and protect them from dangers. It will also help Gens, Sashas, Artems and Vityas to reconsider their own scale of values, putting family first, and will make them more caring, attentive and gentle.
- Victorias, Marinas and Polinas - these ladies often lack gentleness in relationships with loved ones, true femininity and wisdom. They are commanders by nature and do not tolerate objections or criticism. The stone will soften their character traits, teach them to listen to other people’s opinions and find compromises, not notice the minor shortcomings of others and forgive their mistakes. After such changes, happiness will not take long to arrive.
Note
Selenite is a stone of pilgrims and is able to absorb the energy of holy places, gaining even greater power. It also serves as a connecting thread between a person and his guardian angel.
To feel this connection, you need to put a stone under your pillow - in a prophetic dream, a hint for further actions will appear from a patron from above. An important aspect is faith - it can greatly increase any magical power, instilling the best feelings in the soul.
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