In order to work with our crystals effectively, we need to understand their properties. With crystals that look similar or have similar uses, such as selenite and satin spar, can be difficult to determine which one to work with. The answer should always be; the one that you are drawn to the most. However, if you are looking to find the difference in physical appearance as well as metaphysical properties, you’ll find your answer here. In short;
Selenite and satin spar have the same chemical composition and are both a variety of gypsum, but crystallized differently. Selenite is entirely transparent and much rarer, whereas satin spar is opaque or translucent. As they have the same metaphysical properties and composition, most stones sold as selenite are actually satin spar.
As a result, satin spar is commonly referred to as selenite, which isn’t entirely wrong. In fact, as the metaphysical properties are the same, and the name selenite is used more commonly, this is also the name we use on this website when referring to either of these stones.
Continue reading if you want to know more about the differences between these stones, as well as how you can use them in your spiritual practice.
Also read: Selenite vs. Clear Quartz – What’s the Difference?
Want more help or information? If you have any more questions after reading this blog post or want a personal answer for your specific situation, join the free Facebook group! We promise you’ll get an answer from either our team members or a community member.
Selenite vs Satin Spar: How To Tell The Difference?
In order to understand the difference between these two stones, we can look at the color, shape, pattern, clarity, and more. Below we’ll describe all these aspects in detail.
Composition
Selenite and satin spar both come from the gypsum family and are hydrous calcium sulfates. Their chemical composition is also similar. The real difference between these two stones is how they crystallize. Selenite forms in sheets, also called slabs or plates, and is transparent, like glass. Satin Spar, on the other hand, is fibrous and milky in color.
Color
With selenite being transparent, they are most commonly colorless. Other types include, gray, pink, beige, green, and brown. The coloration on a selenite crystal will occur due to other minerals within the stone’s composition. Satin spar is commonly white but can also be found in peach and orange.
Pattern and Clarity
The main difference between these gypsum minerals is their transparency. Besides having the same mineral composition, the stones crystallize differently, resulting in differences in appearance and clarity. Selenite is a colorless and transparent crystal. Selenite may also appear translucent or opaque if it contains other minerals.
Also read: Can Selenite Be In The Sun? (Full Guide)
Satin spar is the fibrous gypsum variety. A satin spar stone has a milky appearance and is translucent to opaque in clarity. The satin spar stones’ uniqueness is the vein-like patterns within the stone. Satin spar also shows a chatoyance effect when observed. Chatoyance is when a gemstone shows three different dimensions of color when light is reflected on it.
Selenite often forms in thin glass-like sheets, while satin spar is carved into thick wands, hearts or egg-like shapes.
Location
Selenite is found in Mexico and the salt plains of Utah. The largest selenite crystal was first found in Nica cave mines. Satin spar deposits can be found in Morocco and the USA.
Hardness
Both selenite and satin spar are soft crystals. Both stones rate 2 on the Mohs scale, which can get damaged quite easily.
If you’re unfamiliar, the Mohs scale of hardness determines a stone’s hardness by measuring how scratch-resistant it is. According to this scale, a stone can scratch any other mineral with a lower score. For reference, talc is a 1, whereas diamond is a 10.
With both selenite and satin spar being so low on the scale, even your fingernail can scratch it. It’s also not recommended to wash or soak these stones as they will dissolve.
Care
Both stones are so high in vibration that they do not require energetic cleaning or recharging. In fact, they are used to energetically cleanse other crystals without these abilities.
Also read: Can Selenite Go In Salt? (Dry Salt, Saltwater, Himalayan Salt)
If you want to physically clean the stones, the best way is to wipe off the dust on with a damp cloth. Though water should generally be avoided, a damp cloth won’t harm it.
Use
There are many different ways to use this high vibrational stone. Below we’ll outline a few options for you.
Crystal grid activation
Crystal grids are crystals that are placed in a certain pattern to amplify each stone’s energies. In order for them to work effectively, they need to be activated. You can trace the energy lines using your fingers but it is advised that you use crystals for activation. For this type of work, crystals with strong vibration and protective energies like selenite can be used. To activate these crystal grids, use the selenite or satin spar crystals to draw an invisible line to connect each stone’s energies.
Cleansing and Charging Other Crystals
Crystals without self-cleansing properties need to be cleansed and charged before the first use and then every month or so after. The procedures are done because the crystals accumulate a lot of negative energies within them. Cleansing and recharge guarantee the transfer of the crystals’ full benefits in their use. Selenite charging plates and raw satin spar pieces are used to cleanse and charge crystals and jewelry pieces off of the clouded energies. Just place the crystal that needs to be cleansed and recharged on your selenite/satin spar plate or stone and leave it there for about 24 hours.
Home/ office
A selenite or satin piece placed at your office or home entrance acts as an instant cleanser on arrival and departure. You can however place the selenite pieces wherever in your home or office for clear and high-energy vibes. You may also grid your home or office spaces for protection and purification. Gridding is done by placing a selenite or satin spar piece at each corner of the room.
Both stones can aid better sleep and lucid dreaming when placed at the bedside as you sleep.
Also read: Can Selenite Be In The Sun? (Full Guide)
Properties
Beware that crystals are never a replacement for professional medical help. If you have any issues, see a doctor first.
Both stones are used in bringing calm and tranquillity. Due to its high vibrations, they clear open and activate the third eye and crown chakra. They are is also used in all types of spiritual works to align and clear chakras and auric bodies.
When they are placed on the third eye, chakra healing flows through along the spine. Selenite wands support the physical body through a hectic life. For the physical body, selenite is used to restore the skin, strengthen bones and help with fertility.
In terms of metaphysical properties, the crystals promote personal growth and clear stagnation in specific areas of our lives and bodies.
Selenite and satin spar are also a communication aid to the spirit guides and guardian angels. The crystals’ connection to the crown chakra facilitates receiving messages and guidance from the divine. They are also believed to be stones of purification and peace. They can stimulate the activity of the brain to achieve mental clarity.
Lastly, these two are powerful stones in meditation, bringing clarity and stimulating the brain when needed to make difficult decisions. They also work well as a grounding stone and are considered stones that bring luck and good fortune.
Chakra Association
Chakras are the different energy points in our body. There are 7, each of them linked to a certain aspect of our lives. We can link each chakra to crystals or gemstones by color.
- Root chakra (Muladhara)- is represented by black/red and is located at the base of the spine. This chakra is related to stability.
- Sacral Chakra (Svadihsthana/ spleen)- is represented by orange and is located below the navel. The sacral chakra is associated with feelings.
- Solar Plexus Chakra(Manipura)- is represented by yellow and is located above the naval. The solar plexus chakra is related to intellect.
- Heart Chakra (Anahata)- is represented by green/pink and is located in the chest area. This chakra is associated with loving and emotional healing.
- Throat Chakra(Vishuddha)- Is represented by blue and is located at the end of the throat. This chakra is associated with communication and tangible dialogues.
- Third Eye Chakra(Ajna)- Is represented by indigo and is located between the eyebrows. The chakra is related to spiritual understanding.
- Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) is represented by white and is
Both selenite and satin spar are associated with the crown chakra (Sahasrara). The chakra represents our wisdom and intelligence and is used as a link of communication to the spiritual realms. Both crystals will allow you to form and connect with the divine better.
Besides its connection to the crown chakra, the stones are also used for aura cleansing and clearing.
Selenite and satin spar can also be placed on the forehead to activate the third eye chakra (Ajna). The third eye chakra is the chakra that governs intuition and the subconscious. The chakra allows us to use our sixth sense, which brings enlightenment in our life journey.
Selenite wands and satin spar crystals are used in energy healing practices to cleanse and clear the energetic system as well as seal the energetic balance after the practice is done.
Also read: What Chakra Is Selenite? (Full Guide)
Zodiac Association
Neither selenite nor satin spar are birthstones. however, they are each associated with the moon. The term ‘selenite’ even comes from ‘Selene’ which is the name of the goddess of the moon in Greek mythology. The zodiac sign that is also ruled by the moon is Cancer. As a result, those under the Cancer zodiac sign can feel an especially comforting and familiar energy with these crystals. It will also help them to use their intuïtion and control their emotions.
Also read: The Complete Guide To Selenite And The Zodiac Signs
Ruling Planets
The moon rules over satin spar and selenite. When we say a planet rules a stone or zodiac sign, we simply mean that this planet, or celestial body, has more influence than other ones.
The moon governs emotions, feelings, and comfort. Moon energies are also associated with intuition, empathy, and a higher sense of creativity. The planet brings out the most profound feelings and their contribution to our decisions. Crystals of the moon help bring sanity and tranquillity to conversations and difficult situations.
Numerical Vibration
Both selenite and satin spar vibrate at 8. Number 8 in numerology signifies abundance, wealth, and spirituality. In Chinese culture, the number 8 is often linked to luck and achievement.
Those who resonate with this number are assertive, determined, and natural-born leaders. These people also uphold specific values and value their spirituality. Their success comes from their business ethic and skill in finances.
Element Association
Selenite and satin spar are crystals associated with the air element of nature. The air element is associated with our intellect and mind’s power. The air element is closely connected to the heart and sometimes the throat chakra. The crystals of this element will help ease the mind and aid better communication.
Best Combinations
Selenite and satin spar’s healing and protective abilities will be amplified with quartz crystals. They can also be paired with moldavite for transformation and unlocking psychic abilities. Coupled with amethyst, it will enhance intuition and amplify energies during meditation.
Satin spar and selenite also work well when paired with black tourmaline to bring positive vibes and clear negative energies from your space. The combination makes sure that the black tourmaline is charged and ready to ground and dispel bad energies.
