Selenite vs Satin Spar: What's the Difference?
The Selenite Name Confusion
Most "selenite" sold in crystal shops is actually satin spar. Both are gypsum, both work the same metaphysically, but they're technically different minerals. This guide clears up the confusion and explains what you really have.
Quick Comparison
| Property | True Selenite | Satin Spar |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Transparent, glassy | Fibrous, pearly white |
| Structure | Crystalline, clear | Fibrous, opaque |
| Light | See through clearly | Translucent, cat's eye effect |
| Common Forms | Flat crystals, blades | Wands, towers, logs |
| Availability | Less common | Very common (90%+ of market) |
| Price | Similar | Similar |
| Metaphysical | Same properties | Same properties |
What is True Selenite?
Physical Properties
Mineral: Gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate)
Form: Transparent, crystalline
Appearance: Clear like glass, can see through
Structure: Flat, blade-like crystals
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)
Light effect: Transparent
How to Identify
- Completely transparent (can read through it)
- Glassy, not fibrous
- Flat, blade-like shape
- No cat's eye effect
- Often has natural edges and faces
Common Forms
- Flat plates or sheets
- Blade crystals
- Desert rose formations
- Window panes (historical use)
What is Satin Spar?
Physical Properties
Mineral: Gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate)
Form: Fibrous, opaque to translucent
Appearance: Pearly white, silky sheen
Structure: Parallel fibers running lengthwise
Luster: Silky, pearly
Light effect: Cat's eye (chatoyancy)
How to Identify
- Fibrous structure (can see striations)
- Pearly, silky appearance
- Opaque to translucent (can't see through clearly)
- Cat's eye effect when light shines through
- Usually white, sometimes peachy or gray
Common Forms
- Wands and sticks
- Towers and points
- Logs and cylinders
- Charging plates
- Carved shapes (hearts, angels, etc.)
What You Probably Have
If You Have...
Selenite wand: Satin spar
Selenite tower: Satin spar
Selenite charging plate: Satin spar
Selenite lamp: Satin spar
White, fibrous crystal: Satin spar
Clear, glassy crystal: True selenite
The Reality
90%+ of "selenite" sold is actually satin spar. The crystal industry uses "selenite" as a catch-all term for white gypsum, even though technically they're different.
Does It Matter?
Mineralogically: Yes
They're different forms of gypsum with different crystal structures.
Metaphysically: No
Both are gypsum, both have identical metaphysical properties:
- Self-cleansing
- Cleanses other crystals
- High vibration
- Angelic connection
- Crown chakra activation
- Purification and clarity
Practically: No
Both work the same for:
- Charging plates
- Space clearing
- Meditation
- Energy work
- Spiritual practice
The Bottom Line
Whether you have true selenite or satin spar doesn't matter for crystal healing. Both are gypsum, both work identically. The name confusion is just industry terminology.
Why the Confusion?
Historical Naming
Original selenite: Named after Selene (Greek moon goddess) for its moon-like glow
Satin spar: Named for its silky, satiny appearance
Industry practice: Started calling all white gypsum "selenite"
Result: Terms became interchangeable in crystal market
Why It Stuck
- "Selenite" sounds more mystical than "satin spar"
- Easier to market
- Most people don't know the difference
- Both work the same metaphysically
- Industry standard now
Other Gypsum Varieties
Desert Rose
What it is: Gypsum + sand forming rose-like clusters
Appearance: Brown/tan, petal-like formations
Energy: Grounding + cleansing
Alabaster
What it is: Fine-grained, massive gypsum
Appearance: White, smooth, often carved
Use: Sculptures, decorative items
How to Tell Them Apart
The Light Test
True selenite:
- Hold up to light
- Can see through clearly
- Like looking through glass
- No fiber lines visible
Satin spar:
- Hold up to light
- Light glows through but can't see clearly
- Cat's eye effect (line of light)
- Fiber lines visible
The Texture Test
True selenite: Smooth, glassy surface
Satin spar: Silky, fibrous texture with visible striations
Caring for Both
Same Care for Both
NEVER water: Both dissolve in water
Soft (hardness 2): Handle gently
Dry cloth only: For physical cleaning
No energy cleansing needed: Both self-cleanse
Keep dry: Low humidity
Common Questions
Is satin spar fake selenite?
No! Both are real gypsum. Satin spar is just a different form. It's not fake, just technically a different variety.
Which is better for crystal work?
Neither! They work identically for metaphysical purposes. Choose based on what you're drawn to.
Why do sellers call satin spar "selenite"?
Industry standard. "Selenite" has become the common name for all white gypsum in the crystal market.
Should I correct people who call satin spar selenite?
Only if you're a mineralogist! In the crystal healing world, the terms are interchangeable.
The Bottom Line
True selenite is transparent and glassy. Satin spar is fibrous and pearly. Most "selenite" sold is actually satin spar. But it doesn't matter—both are gypsum, both work the same metaphysically.
What you need to know:
- Your "selenite" wand is probably satin spar
- It works exactly the same
- Both are real gypsum
- Both self-cleanse and cleanse other crystals
- Both dissolve in water (keep dry!)
- The name confusion doesn't affect effectiveness
Whether you call it selenite or satin spar, you have a powerful cleansing crystal. Use it, love it, and don't worry about the technical name! 🤍✨
