Chemical Formula: CaSO4

Chemical Name: Calcium Sulfate

Mineral Class: Sulfate

Mineral Notes: Selenite is a variety of Gypsum that shows a pearl-like luster and has been described as having a moon-like glow. Hence the name Selenite comes from Greek for Moon and literally means moon rock. The mineral has a very low thermal conductivity, so a crystal of selenite will feel noticeably warmer than a similar crystal of quartz.

Description: A very rich specimen of well-formed Selenite crystals upon a matrix of fused material. Many of the crystals have a tabular prismatic form and a very attractive honey-yellow colour. A few of the crystals are absolutely transparent thus having a very gemmy appearance. The best of these is shown in the inset.