Selenite
| Also known as | Gypsum (Gypsum family) |
|---|---|
| Colour | White, Clear |
| Mohs hardness | 2 |
| Lustre | Vitreous Satin spar gypsum: pearly |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic (2/m) Space group: A2/a |
| Transparency | Transparent Satin spar gypsum: translucent to opaque |
| Cleavage | [010] Perfect, [100] Distinct, [011] Distinct |
| Fracture | Micaceous Satin spar gypsum: fibrous |
| Chemical formula | CaSO 4 ·2H 2 O |
| Specific gravity | 2.9 |
What is Selenite?
Selenite is a mostly clear, transparent variety of the sulfate mineral gypsum.
How to identify Selenite
- Lustre: Vitreous Satin spar gypsum: pearly.
- Hardness: Mohs 2 — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Monoclinic (2/m) Space group: A2/a crystal system.
Selenite in different forms
Stones often confused with Selenite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Selenite?
Selenite is Mohs 2 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Selenite?
Selenite is typically white, clear (Colorless, often tinted due to inclusions Satin spar gypsum: white).