Selenite: origins, meanings and benefits

Selenite shines with luminosity and brilliance, evoking celestial tranquility. This natural stone is appreciated for its angelic allure, which makes every jewelry creation charged with serenity. But it is also sought after for its calming properties in lithotherapy, and embodies peace and clarity of mind.

Discover our selenite beads and jewelry components to make sweet DIY jewelry. Be inspired by our natural stone jewelry tutorials to create unique creations that captivate with their beauty and harmony.

Where does the name selenite come from?

The name of this natural stone comes from the ancient Greek word "selene", which translates as"moon", as it is reminiscent of thelunar star. This term inspired the Latin word "selenitis", meaning "moonstone".

History of selenite

This gemstone has its roots in Greek mythology. Its name is inspired by Selene, the goddess of the moon.
Selene was the daughter of the titan Hyperion, god of fire and the sun, and his sister Theia, goddess of light. Her brothers are Helios, god of the sun, and Eos, god of the dawn. Nicknamed "Selene of the Beautiful Hair", she belongs to a family of stars charged with romance.
In the imagination, Selene is depicted as a beautiful young woman of sparkling whiteness, renowned for her purity and benevolence.

The Egyptians used her to make windows for their temples and palaces. They also believed that selenite influenced fertility and had protective properties. Associated with the moon, it symbolized light in the darkness, rebirth and renewal.
The ancient Greeks also attributed benefits to selenite, such as its ability to soothe and purify. They used it as a stone of protection.

This white stone was also used to build the fortifications of the city of Bologna in Italy, which have now disappeared, and the foundations of the towers.

In his "Natural History", the ancient naturalist Pliny the Elder referred to it as"lapis specularis".

What color is selenite?

Selenite is a natural white stone. Its softness and translucency make it a perfect choice for unique and meaningful jewelry.
Because of its color, it is often confused with moonstone.

What are selenite's properties?

This gemstone (formerly classified as a"semi-precious stone") is a variety of fibrous gypsum. It has a hardness of between 2.5 and 4 on the Mohs scale, making it very soft and easy to scratch if not handled with care.
Very light, it has a density of around 2.3 g/cm³.

Where is selenite found?

The most important deposits are found in Mexico, Morocco, Canada, China, Italy, Greece, Brazil and the United States.

What are the benefits of selenite?

Certain beliefs attribute benefits to this translucent white stone. In lithotherapy, it is recognized for its soothing properties. It is said to promote relaxation, cleanse negative energies and facilitate a deeper spiritual connection. It helps to establishharmony and inner peace.
It is also said to have the ability to purify other stones, as well as living spaces.

Which chakra for selenite? This natural stone is linked to the second chakra (the sacral chakra) and the fifth chakra (the throat chakra).

It's the gemstone of the Taurus, Cancer and Aquarius zodiac signs.

Please note: our gemstones are not sold for lithotherapy. Natural stones are no substitute for medical expertise or treatment.

How do I purify and recharge selenite?

In lithotherapy, to preserve all the benefits of selenite, it is advisable to purify and recharge it regularly.
This gemstone does not like contact with water. To clean it, prefer a gentle wipe with a dry cloth to maintain its brilliance.
For an effective purification ritual, you can use sage or incense fumigation.
To recharge it, expose it to the moon's rays for a few hours. If you place it on a quartz cluster, the ritual will be amplified.

How to use selenite stone

The cool tones of 925 silver or stainless steel jewelry primers blend perfectly with the softness of its white color. Gold jewelry primers, such as Gold Filled or Gold Plated, offer a sublime contrast with its subtle hue.

Which stone to match with selenite? Combining this fine stone with other natural stones can create harmonious combinations both aesthetically and for their energetic properties in lithotherapy:

• Amethyst: The combination of selenite and amethyst is often used to promote relaxation and spirituality. Amethyst, with its violet tones, complements the white softness of selenite.
• Rose quartz: Combined with selenite, rose quartz can help create an environment of harmony and peace.
• Labradorite: Labradorite can be combined with selenite to enhance energetic protection. This combination helps balance intuition and spiritual awareness while providing a shield against negative energies.
• Rock crystal: Rock crystal amplifies the properties of all the stones with which it is associated. In combination with selenite, it can help clarify the mind, enhance positive energy and improve spiritual communication.
• Citrine: Combining selenite with citrine stimulates creativity, self-confidence and the manifestation of personal goals.
• Amazonite, malachite andhowlite: to bring serenity.

Which stone should not be associated with selenite? In the context of lithotherapy and stone energy, this gemstone is generally considered a soothing and purifying stone. It is advisable to avoid combining it with stones with dense energy, such ashematite orobsidian, or with stones with divergent objectives, such as carnelian.