Selenite

Selenite

Selenite is a crystalline variety of gypsum, admired for its translucent white appearance and delicate, luminous quality. Its name originates from Selene, the ancient Greek goddess of the Moon, reflecting the mineral's soft, moon-like appearance. Selenite commonly forms in sedimentary environments where ancient seas and salt lakes gradually evaporate, allowing dissolved calcium and sulfate to crystallise into gypsum. These processes can produce transparent blade-like crystals or closely related fibrous formations known as satin spar. With a hardness of just 2 on the Mohs scale, gypsum is relatively soft and is valued for decorative displays and geological collections.