Selenite Mineral Large and Chunky
AAA grade selenite mineral, a large and chunky piece with a vitreous to pearly lustre.
The mineral selenite is a form of gypsum that exhibits an obvious crystalline structure. Gypsum which is very soft is made up of calcium sulphate dihydrate. Dihydrate means two molecules of water. When dissolved, calcium sulphate causes permanent hardness in water.
Gypsum is widely available and used as a fertiliser, for blackboard chalk and is the main constituent of plaster. When it crystallises it becomes known as selenite, satin spar, desert rose or gypsum flower. These four varieties of crystalline gypsum differ because of the way they crystallise.
Satin spar features long fibrous crystals that are white and opaque. It's often incorrectly labelled as selenite. Selenite forms clear colourless crystals and like all varieties of gypsum is very soft.
The crystal faces on the front of this beautiful piece can be seen and felt. The back is flat and exceptionally smooth.
The name selenite originates from the Greek words for 'moon' and 'stone' or 'stone of the moon'.
Selenite must not be allowed to come into contact with moisture. Should it get wet it will become damaged. It's a good idea to keep a silica gel sachet close to where this piece is being displayed.
