Description
Selenite Crystal Tower – 10cm Natural Polished Gypsum Mineral Point
This Selenite Small Tower measuring approximately 10cm is a carefully shaped and polished natural gypsum crystal specimen. The tower form accentuates the mineral’s natural fibrous structure and distinctive satin-like glow, making it an attractive display piece for mineral collectors, geological enthusiasts, and decorative crystal displays.
Selenite is widely recognised for its luminous appearance and delicate internal crystal structure. When polished into a tower shape, the stone’s natural fibres interact with light to create a soft reflective sheen across the surface.
The photographs in this listing show the actual specimen you will receive, allowing buyers to examine the natural features, texture, and colour of the mineral prior to purchase.
This crystal is a genuine specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming the authenticity of the mineral specimen.
Full sizing details can be seen in the listing photographs.
Mineral Identification and Crystal Classification
Selenite is a transparent to translucent crystalline variety of gypsum, a hydrated calcium sulfate mineral with the chemical composition CaSO₄·2H₂O. Gypsum belongs to the sulfate mineral group, a category of minerals commonly formed in evaporite geological environments.
The mineral crystallises in the monoclinic crystal system, often producing elongated tabular or fibrous crystals. In natural formations, selenite frequently develops in large crystal blades or fibrous masses.
The tower shape used for this specimen highlights the mineral’s internal structure, where thousands of fine crystal fibres align in parallel. This structural arrangement is responsible for the characteristic satin sheen that reflects light along the length of the crystal.
Gypsum minerals are relatively soft, with a hardness of 2 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning they can be easily carved and shaped into decorative forms while still maintaining their natural crystalline structure.
Colour, Transparency and Optical Characteristics
Selenite is typically colourless to milky white, though slight variations can occur depending on the presence of trace elements or inclusions within the crystal structure.
Common physical properties include:
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Colour: White to translucent
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Transparency: Translucent with fibrous internal structure
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Lustre: Silky to satin-like when polished
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Crystal System: Monoclinic
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Hardness: 2 on the Mohs scale
The fibrous internal structure produces subtle optical effects where light travels along the mineral’s natural growth direction. This can create a gentle luminous appearance that is especially visible when the crystal surface is polished.
Geological Formation of Selenite
Selenite forms primarily in evaporite environments, which develop when mineral-rich water bodies evaporate and leave behind dissolved salts and sulfates. As the water evaporates, calcium sulfate begins to crystallise and forms gypsum deposits.
These deposits often develop in sedimentary basins, saline lakes, marine lagoons, and evaporating inland seas. Under favourable conditions, gypsum crystals can grow into large transparent blades or fibrous masses.
Over geological time, these evaporite deposits may be buried within sedimentary rock layers, where they remain preserved as mineral specimens.
The name selenite is derived from the Greek word selene, meaning “moon,” referencing the mineral’s soft glow when illuminated.
Tower Shape and Polishing Process
The tower shape is created by cutting and polishing natural selenite into a vertical point form. This process enhances the stone’s natural sheen while allowing the internal fibrous crystal structure to remain visible.
The pointed tower form is commonly used in mineral displays because it draws attention to the vertical growth direction of the mineral fibres.
Because gypsum is relatively soft, careful craftsmanship is required during shaping and polishing to preserve the integrity of the mineral structure.
The resulting polished tower showcases the natural beauty of the mineral while providing a stable base for display.
Mineral Collecting and Display Use
Selenite towers are popular display pieces among mineral collectors due to their elegant shape and natural reflective qualities. The 10cm size makes this specimen well suited for a wide range of display settings.
Suitable uses include:
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Mineral and crystal collections
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Geological teaching collections
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Natural history displays
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Decorative shelf or desk pieces
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Gifts for collectors or geology enthusiasts
The vertical tower form also makes it easy to display alongside other minerals within a collection.
Cultural and Traditional Associations
White minerals such as selenite have historically been traditionally associated with symbolism related to clarity, reflection, and light in various cultural traditions. These associations are cultural interpretations rather than scientific conclusions.
Many collectors and enthusiasts appreciate selenite primarily for its mineral structure, optical qualities, and geological origin.
Authenticity and Specimen Guarantee
This 10cm Selenite Crystal Tower has been carefully selected as a genuine natural gypsum mineral specimen.
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The photographs show the actual specimen you will receive.
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The specimen includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card.
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Selected for its clean crystal structure, polished finish, and display quality.
With its smooth polished surface and distinctive fibrous mineral structure, this selenite tower offers a visually striking example of gypsum crystal formation and makes a refined addition to any mineral collection or display.
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