We wholesale a wide variety of stones at Moussa Minerals & Fossils. Some of our best selling ranges are listed below:
Himalayan Rock Salt Lamps and rock salt t-light holders
Selenite Lamps, Selenite T-light Holders, Selenite Light box pieces, Selenite Wands, Selenite Hearts, Selenite Eggs and Selenite Spheres
Mineralogy
Selenite is the name given to optically clear varieties of Gypsum (chemical formula CaSO4·2H2O) a mineral soft enough to be scratched with a finger nail. The term “satin spar” has also been used to describe the fibrous bundles of Gypsum crystals that produce a natural fibre optic effect. Some of the distinctions between the two names are fading. Usually colourless, white or pearly, other colours occur (commonly pink, peach or red) when impurities (such as iron) are present.
History and Etymology
The etymology of selenite is through Middle English selinete, from Latin selenites, from Greek selēnitēs (lithos), literally, moonstone or stone of the moon, from selēnē (the Moon). Selene was one of the 3 Greek goddesses of the moon, the equivalent of the Roman Luna. The ancients had a belief that certain transparent crystals, such as selenite, waxed and waned with the moon. The element Selenium gets it’s name from the same roots, but is not found in any abundance within selenite itself.
Occurrence
Gypsum occurs on every continent and is the most common of all the sulfate minerals. Gypsum is formed by evaporation from water and is found in present day alkaline lake muds, clay beds, evaporated seas, salt flats, salt springs, and caves. Most of the commercial material used in lamps & ornaments comes from old evaporite deposits located in Morocco.
Uses
Gypsum dehydrates on heating to form anhydrite and readily re-hydrates again reforming gypsum crystals, an everyday effect utilised when Plaster of Paris is mixed with water. Consequently, most gypsum mined is used in the construction industry as plaster, plasterboard and related products.
Metaphysics
The historical connection between selenite and the moon has lead several metaphysical commentators to make a link between selenite and dream states. Activating third eye, crown and higher chakras can be achieved with the use of selenite. Selenite has also been utilised as an energy amplifier, removing blockages and increasing the effect when used in conjunction with other stones.