Selenite is a particular variety of secondary crystalline gypsum. It has the characteristic of being formed by various overlapping layers of gypsum, which make this mineral transparent and translucent. The name was attributed by the Greeks, who used it to obtain transparent plates. These plates let through a light similar to that diffused by the moon, which in Greek is called “Selene”. Selenite is therefore also called moonstone.
Dimensions
Height (cm): 20
Depth (cm): 9
Width (cm): 9
Weight (g): about 1700
Property
Chemical Formula: CaSO4 (H2O) 2
Mohs scale: 2
Relative density: 2.3-2.4
Crystalline System: Monoclinic
