Selenite or Satin Spar?

The most common mix up in the crystal business is between Satin Spar and Selenite. They’re often both mistaken for each other and some people can get confused with which is which and are they different?

Well let’s start by explaining the difference between selenite and satin spar. selenite is a very clear stone and looks like ice, where as satin spar is very cloudy looking. Selenite also is to fragile to shape so can’t be formed into tumbles or bowls and often stay as slabs. Satin spar even though can be a fragile stone it is strong enough to withstand being shaped.

Now there are similarities to satin spar and selenite. They both share the same properties but selenite is a much more powerful version than satin spar. So even if you bought something under the name selenite and it’s actually satin spar (even though we wish people were honest and help those that don’t know which is which) they both do the same thing so it’s not too much of a let down.

Here is a picture to help you see the difference :)