
Named after the Ancient Greek goddess of the moon (Selene), Selenite is a special version of the mineral gypsum. The name derives through Middle English selenite from Latin selenites, from Greek selēnítēs líthos literally “moon stone.”
An ancient Mesopotamian ritual text (Bīt Mēseri), written in cuneiform on four tablets for describes how to protect the house against invading evil. On the second tablet, there is a description of how statues and paintings should be drawn of the Apkallus (sages). It details how the seven figures would be drawn with gypsum and black paste on the side of the bedroom wall of the sick and selenite placed outside their rooms.
The Greeks especially appreciated the beauty of selenite, even making windows with the stone
The ancient Egyptians placed Selenite in tombs to protect the soul and guide the spirits when they journeyed through the underworld. It was also used by their healers for its protective qualities, particularly against illness and infection.
The Aztecs used Selenite for protection against negative energy and evil spirits. They also believed that Selenite alleviated physical and emotional pain, bringing about hope and acceptance helping to achieve inner peace and enlightenment.
In the 13th century King of Castile, Alfonso X (Alfonso the Learned) compiled a lapidary that dealt with gemstones and their astrological significance. It states that Selenite follows the waxing and waning of the moon and that if the crystal is hung on a fruit tree, it will promote the quick growth and ripening of the fruit.
In ancient times it was believed that to help people remember their dreams and wake up feeling refreshed, they had to sleep with a Selenite crystal nearby.
How to Cleanse & Charge Your Selenite Stone
Although Selenite is a strong crystal, it is still important to find time to cleanse your selenite stone. This can be done with a simple running water and sea salt cleansing ritual, which is the most common way of clearing crystals. You can find an example ritual below:
- Hold your selenite stone in your left hand and raise it above the water
- Visualize all negative energy being removed from the selenite stone
- Place the selenite stone back into the water and allow it to soak for several seconds
- Remove your selenite stone from the water and dry it with a soft cloth.
Alternately, you can use smoke cleansing to cleanse your selenite crystal. This method is useful if you need to cleanse your selenite stone very quickly without having time for a full sea salt cleansing ritual:
- Place the selenite stone in an abalone shell or ceramic bowl.
- Hold a white lit candle over the selenite stone until the smoke begins to rise.
- Visualize all negative energy being removed from the selenite stone.
- After the ritual, place your selenite stone outside or in a window to allow the negative energy to dissipate.
Since Selenite is associated with the moon, for maximum effect perform this under a full moon. Selenite is one of the most powerful crystals to you, so it is important to keep yours in the best condition.
Naica Mine
No words on Selenite are complete without a mention of the Naica Mine in the Northern Mexican. The cave of the crystals is the name given to a corridor 1,000 feet below the surface. Once accessible to visitors, it closed in 2015 due to the risk of flooding. The chamber hosts the largest natural crystals ever discovered
Naica Mine
Meaning & Energy
It is believed that pure white light is encapsulated within Selenite. Selenite restores our own auric field and spiritual body and cleanses any environment in which it is placed. It is a favourite stone to remove negative energies that have been picked up during our daily routines.
Meditating Selenite over your third eye or crown chakra will allow you to raise your own awareness and intuition levels. Thoughts, ideas, and visions become clearer both consciously and subconsciously.
A perfect place for Selenite is at your bedside or carry a piece with you each day. The mineral holds no negative energy and can cleanse and recharge your favourite stones and your personal auric field. To achieve this place new purchased stones or ones most recently worked with, near or on your Selenite piece.
Crystal Pairings
Selenite is a great stone to be paired with:
Black Tourmaline for physical ailments.
Phenacite, Iolite, Cavansite, Dumortierite, Shattuckiteand Moldavite. For mental expansion and traveling beyond the planes of this reality.
Garnet, Carnelian meditating with Selenite will activate and unlock your unique personal will power and will enhance your transformative abilities.
Blue Calcite, Chrysocolla, Larimar, Blue Chalcedony, Turquoise Communication is often lacking point in our lives. Pairing Selenite with these stones will not only open your throat chakra but also enhance your vocabulary.
Chakra Crown Third Eye Etheric
Properties Retrograde, Clarity, Protection, Meditation, Clearing, Purification, Cleansing, Clairvoyance, Dispelling Negative Energy, Aura Cleansing, Chakra Cleansing
Planets Moon
Zodiacs Gemini, Cancer
Elements Wind
Colours Colourless, Grey, White, Yellow
Hardness 2-3
Chemical Formula
CaSO4•2H2O