Selenite or Satin Spar!?

Selenite & Satin Spar

When Sarah from Crystals & Chaos brought me more Selenite plates, I was like, "Ma'am, I think you got scammed". But imagine that, my beloved rock dealer knew what she was doing 😂 I asked her to write a blog post about it, so here it is!

Thank you for educating us, Sarah!

Selenite vs. Satin Spar: Clearing Up the Confusion

If you’ve ever browsed a crystal sho

p or scrolled through an online gemstone store, you’ve probably noticed something curious: many crystals labeled selenite don’t quite look the same. Some are long and silky, others are clear and sheet-like—and yet, they’re all sold under the same name.

Here’s the truth: most of the “selenite” you see in shops is actually satin spar. And while they’re closely related, they are not exactly the same thing. Let’s clear the (energetic) fog.

Same Family, Different Faces

Both selenite and satin spar are forms of the mineral gypsum—so in a sense, they are related. Think of them like siblings with different personalities and appearances.

• True Selenite – Transparent or translucent, usually found in large, flat, plate-like crystals. It often has a glassy, sheet-like appearance and can be so clear it’s almost like looking through frosted glass. Real selenite is more fragile and cleaves easily into thin sheets.

• Satin Spar – Fibrous, opaque to translucent, with a silky or pearly sheen. This is the variety most people picture when they think of “selenite towers” or “selenite wands.” Its fibers create a shimmering, cat’s-eye effect when moved in the light.

How to Tell the Difference

1. Look at the texture:

   
   

   • Satin spar has long, fibrous strands and a silky glow.

   • Selenite is smooth, with visible layers or sheets.

     
     

2. Check the clarity:

   
   

   • Satin spar is opaque to slightly translucent.

   • Selenite is clear to translucent and more glass-like.

   
   

3. Shape in nature:

   
   

   • Satin spar forms in columns or fibrous masses.

   • Selenite forms in flat, tabular plates.

   
   

Metaphysical Properties

While their appearance differs, their energetic vibrations are similar because they’re both gypsum. However, many crystal workers note subtle differences:

• Satin Spar – Excellent for energy cleansing, aura clearing, and creating protective energy grids. Its fibrous structure feels like it “combs” through stagnant energy.

• Selenite – Brings deep clarity, spiritual insight, and connection to higher realms. It has a more tranquil, luminous energy, perfect for meditation and divine communication.

Why the Mix-Up?

The confusion comes from the crystal trade itself—many sellers use “selenite” as a catch-all term for any polished white gypsum crystal. Satin spar is more common and durable, making it easier to carve into wands, bowls, and towers, so it’s become the default in most shops.

In Summary

• Selenite = clear, sheet-like gypsum.

• Satin Spar = silky, fibrous gypsum.

  
  

Both are beautiful, both are powerful - and now you can tell them apart like a pro!

Whether you prefer the silky shimmer of satin spar or the glassy elegance of true selenite, both will bring peace, cleansing, and light to your space.