Selenite CaSO4 2H2O Hydrous Calcium Sulfate (Gypsum). (satin spa, Desert rose)

Desert Rose
Desert RoseSatin Spa

Satin Spa

Swan Lake

Physical features

1. Color- colorless.

2. Streak- white.

3. Luster- Glassy or vitreous.

4. Cleavage- Excellent.

5. Transparency- Transparent to opaque.

6. Fracture- Conchoidal sometimes fibrous.

7. Hardness- 1.5-2.

8. Forms- Massive, flat, prismatic crystals.

There are many varieties of Gypsum, this variety is called Selenite. Gypsum is composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate. This piece of Selenite definitely has an obvious crystalline structure that is colorless. Selenite is a non-metallic mineral that can be easily scratched if not careful while holding. Never leave Gypsum in water for it will degrade itself. The mineral Gypsum is relatively common, although this variety of Selenite is less common due to its clear crystals. Selenite occurrences have been found in beds and sometimes massive in sedimentary rocks, like limestone's, shale, and clay. Gypsum is known in Russia, France and the U.S.A. (New York, Kentucky and Utah).