If you’ve been a follower of my social media pages or newsletters for some time, you may have seen the Satin Spar / Selenite debate pop up every now and again and felt confused and wondered what we’re all talking about. If this is you, you’re not alone.

This is one of the most common topics I get asked about, and I absolutely get why.
For many years, sellers have labelled Satin Spar as Selenite, but the Selenite we all know and love is actually Satin Spar. Selenite is actually a completely different type of crystal.
They’re both part of the same family (gypsum), but they look and feel quite different. The easiest way to unserstand them both is to think of them as sisters: Satin Spar is the grounded, practical one, while true Selenite is the dreamy, ethereal one. Both beautiful, both incredibly powerful, but each has their own personality.

Satin Spar vs Selenite: How to Tell Them Apart

Let’s start with their appearance, as this is the easiest way to tell one from the other.
Satin Spar is the milky version you’ll most often see in crystal shops. It’s usually carved into bowls, towers, tumbles or palm stones, and has a soft, glowing sheen that looks almost like satin ribbons.

True Selenite grows at a different speed to Satin Spar, and forms in clear, flat plates or large transparent crystals. It’s more delicate and extremely brittle, so you don’t really tend to see it carved into tools or bowls. When you hold a piece of Selenite, it feels almost glass-like which is very different from the silky shimmer of Satin Spar.

 

The Energy of Satin Spar vs Selenite

While both belong to the same mineral family, their energy is very different from each other.

Satin Spar has a practical, get-the-job-done feel and it’s brilliant for clearing away heavy energy, refreshing your aura, and resetting your crystals. Think of it as the crystal you reach for when life feels cluttered or overwhelming – it sweeps through the noise and helps you find your balance. This is why you’ll find it so often in bowls and charging wands: it’s built to be used daily and it never feels tired or heavy.

True Selenite holds a much more delicate vibration. Her energy is higher, softer, and less about sweeping things away and more about creating stillness. She’s not here to scrub out the heaviness, but to hold a calm space where your energy can naturally rise. It’s the crystal you’d turn to when you’re meditating, connecting with your guides, or setting up an altar for quiet reflection.

Neither is “better” than the other though, they simply serve different purposes. Satin Spar is your everyday ally, and true Selenite is your sacred-space companion.

Both crystals are valuable and both have their place. The more you get to know them as individuals, the easier it becomes to choose the right one for the right moment. And whether you’re drawn to the practical sweep of Satin Spar or the quiet stillness of true Selenite, you can trust that the crystal that found its way into your hands is the one you needed.

Can True Selenite Cleanse Other Crystals?

This is something I get asked a lot. The short answer is yes, true Selenite can support crystal cleansing, but not in the same way Satin Spar does.

Satin Spar is the crystal most people use for cleansing. It’s strong, direct, and practical, making it ideal for refreshing your crystal collection, giving your aura a sweep, or keeping the energy of a room feeling clear and light. It’s well-suited for daily use and responds beautifully to intention.

True Selenite works very differently. Her energy isn’t about movement, it’s about stillness. She doesn’t sweep or scrub; she holds space. By placing your crystals near her, you invite them to realign and tune in to her higher, more refined vibration. It’s a softer, subtler form of cleansing, and one that works best in rituals, meditation, or when you’re creating a calm, spiritual atmosphere.

That’s why most people don’t use true Selenite as their main cleansing tool. It’s not that she can’t help clear energy, but her gifts lie more in spiritual connection than in everyday energetic maintenance. Satin Spar will always be a go-to when you need something practical, consistent, and ready to work at a moment’s notice.

So, are you being “mis-sold” when you buy Satin Spar labelled as Selenite? Not at all. 0hether your crystal has been labelled as Satin Spar or Selenite, what you have is a crystal with its own strengths and personality that’s perfect for daily cleansing and energy work.
If you’ve been told your “Selenite” cleanses and brings all the Satin Spar benefits, all that is wrong is the name.

The truth is, neither crystal loses its magic because of a name mix-up. What matters is recognising their differences and leaning into their strengths. With that understanding, you’re not only informed – you’re empowered in how you work with them.

Want to explore their energy in your own space? I have a collection of both Satin Spar and true Selenite in the shop, ready to support you in the way you most need. Just pop Satin Spar or Selenite in the search bar. Or click here to view all our Satin Spar and Selenite pieces.

With steady sparkle, and warmth always,
Kate xx