Choose a letter, pick a stone from the list, and read about it: what it is made of, how hard it is, what it looks like, what it has traditionally been said to do, and how to look after it.

450 minerals

Satin Spar

The Silken Light-Sweeper

Also known as: Selenite

Third Eye chakra

About the stone

Satin Spar crystal — Photo: James St. John, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Both Satin Spar & Selenite are in the Gypsum family, along with Desert Rose & Alabaster. Today most people know Satin Spar as 'Selenite.' Because of Selenite's popularity in the metaphysical community & Satin Spar's lower price point, the name Selenite has been used over Satin Spar to sell product. Selenite grows in plate-like, or sheet-like formations, and is generally transparent to translucent, meaning you can see all the way through the stone. It will sometimes have a pearlescent quality to it. True Selenite is generally much more expensive than Satin Spar. Satin Spar is milky white, brittle, fibrous, chatoyant and has optical properties similar to Ulexite. Metaphysically, both share many similar properties in regards to clearing and cleansing, but true Selenite is more potent, and is more effective. SATIN SPAR (fibrous, milky white).

Mineral data

Chemical composition: Satin Spar is the fibrous, milky white form of gypsum, a hydrated calcium sulfate with the formula CaSO₄.2H₂O.
Hardness: About 2 on the Mohs scale, very soft.
Color: Milky white with a silky, chatoyant sheen.

Metaphysical data

Satin Spar, the fibrous, silky cousin of true Selenite, has been utilized in metaphysical practices to clear away stagnant energy, calm the mind and open the higher chakras.

Cleansing and Clearing Energy

Satin Spar is often called a spiritual vacuum cleaner, thought to sweep away stagnant and negative energy and to deliver an intense, clean burst of renewal.
It is believed to break down energy blockages while raising one's vibration, and to overcome stagnation by denying the comfortable illusions of false security.

Emotional Healing

Satin Spar is said to bring clarity of mind and to clear confusion, giving a calming effect when thoughts feel tangled, heavy or hard to sort out.
It is believed to encourage honesty, love, harmony and mental flexibility, helping a person approach difficult conversations with an open and softer heart.

Harmonizing Energy Centers

Satin Spar is thought to open and quickly activate the third eye chakra, bringing insight and a clearer sense of inner vision.
It is also linked with the crown and soul star chakras, which it is believed to open, connecting a person to the higher self and divine consciousness.

Zodiac Associations

Satin Spar is not strongly tied to any one zodiac sign in the source lore, and it is often chosen by anyone seeking clearing and fresh energy.
Because of its cleansing and calming nature, some people work with it under the Moon, since its sister stone Selenite is named for the Greek goddess of the Moon.

Spiritual Growth

Satin Spar is considered good for meditation and visualization, and it is said to support clairvoyance and the exploration of past lives.
It is useful in crystal grids, where it is believed to create a safe space and to combine with and amplify almost any other stone placed near it.

Physical Healing

Crystals are a traditional wellness practice and not a substitute for professional medical advice, including for hormonal concerns or recovery after surgery.
In crystal tradition Satin Spar is said to regulate hormones, ease symptoms of the menstrual cycle, and support bone growth, skin repair and a smooth recovery, along with good luck.

Care and handling

Satin Spar is a form of gypsum, which is very soft and slightly soluble in water, so never soak it or place it in water and do not use water to cleanse it. Wipe it gently with a dry cloth, since it is brittle, scratches easily and can split into fibers if dropped. Keep it away from humidity and damp places, heat and harsh cleaners, and store it where it cannot be knocked or scratched by harder stones.

Individual experiences with Satin Spar vary, and its qualities are traditional beliefs rather than proven facts. It is also commonly sold under the name Selenite, so enjoy it as the soft, silky stone it is, and use it with a clear and mindful heart.