Continuing the discussion from 
Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE - Wisdom of the Witches:
I decided to use this as my second part for my challenge entry but also wanted it to be separate since it’s so large.
After reading a post about Satin Spar being sold as Selenite and that the two were not the same crystal, I decided to do my own deep dive to see if I could find more information to clarify.
First off - Satin spar and selenite are both forms of gypsum, a mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO₄·2H₂O). At first glance then it would appear that they are exactly the same crystal 
but within this group of gypsum crystals is the desert rose crystal.
Clearly, the formation of these crystals’ formation is different; you wouldn’t expect them to have the same properties as a clear selenite wand.
So let’s look into the physical and metaphysical similarities and differences between Satin Spar and Selenite.
Physical Similarities:
- Chemical Composition: Both satin spar and selenite have the same chemical formula, CaSO₄·2H₂O.
- Mineral Family: Both belong to the gypsum mineral family.
- Color: They are often found in similar colors, such as white, colorless, and shades of gray.
- Hardness: Both have a similar hardness on the Mohs scale, which is about 2.
- Solubility: Both are water-soluble minerals, although this process is very slow.
- Transparency: They can both be somewhat translucent, allowing light to pass through but not detailed shapes.
Physical Differences
Appearance:
- Satin Spar: Typically has a fibrous, silky texture. It often appears with a fibrous luster and can exhibit a chatoyancy effect (similar to a cat’s eye).
- Selenite: Usually has a clearer, more transparent appearance. It forms in larger, more well-defined crystal structures that can be tabular or prismatic.
Structure:
- Satin Spar: Characterized by its fibrous structure, which gives it a silky and sometimes fibrous look.
- Selenite: Has a more crystalline structure, often forming in larger, distinct crystals.
Formation:
-
Satin Spar: Typically forms in fibrous, needle-like crystals that grow parallel to each other.
(Satin Spar | Mark Steinmetz) -
Selenite: Forms in larger, more well-defined crystals that can be quite clear and glass-like.
(Source)
It would stand to reason if the crystal formations are different they would have different properties.
# Metaphysical Similarities **Cleansing and Purification**: * Both satin spar and selenite are believed to have strong cleansing properties, capable of purifying energy fields and spaces. They are often used to clear negative energy and promote a harmonious environment.
Mental Clarity:
- Both crystals are associated with enhancing mental clarity and focus. They are thought to help clear the mind of distractions and promote clear thinking.
Spiritual Awareness:
- Satin spar and selenite are often used to enhance spiritual awareness and connect with higher realms. They are believed to facilitate communication with spirit guides and angels.
Chakra Alignment:
- Both are commonly associated with the crown chakra, aiding in spiritual growth and enlightenment. They are used to align and balance the chakras, promoting overall well-being.
Metaphysical Differences
Selenite:
- Amplification of Energy: Selenite is believed to have a stronger ability to amplify and transmit energies. It is often used to enhance the properties of other crystals and to create protective energy grids.
- Meditation and Insight: Selenite is particularly valued for its ability to deepen meditation and enhance intuitive insight. It is thought to open pathways to higher consciousness and provide access to past and future lives.
Satin Spar:
- Emotional Healing: Satin spar is often associated with emotional healing and calmness. It is believed to help release emotional blockages and promote a sense of peace and tranquility.
- Grounding Energy: While selenite is more associated with higher realms, satin spar is thought to have a grounding effect, connecting the user to both the earth and the spiritual realms.
Satin Spar and Selenite are believed to have different healing properties. Satin Spar is said to be calming and soothing, making it helpful for meditation and stress relief. Selenite is said to promote mental clarity, enhance intuition, and provide protection from negative energy.
(source- Satin Spar vs Selenite: Comparing Properties, Benefits, and More)
Still want to know more? Well, ok then!
Satin Spar Properties
- Cleansing and Purifying: Satin spar is believed to have powerful cleansing and purifying properties. It is often used to cleanse negative energy from other crystals, spaces, and auras.
- Grounding and Stabilizing: Unlike its counterpart selenite, satin spar is thought to have more grounding properties. It provides stability and helps to anchor energy, making it useful for those who need to feel more connected to the Earth.
- Calming and Soothing: Satin spar is known for its calming and soothing energy. It can help to alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of peace and tranquility.
- Emotional Balance: This stone is believed to aid in balancing emotions, helping individuals to release emotional blockages and find inner harmony.
- Enhancing Intuition: Satin spar can enhance intuition and psychic abilities. It is often used in meditation and spiritual practices to deepen one’s connection to their inner self and higher consciousness.
- Protection: It is considered a protective stone, shielding the user from negative influences and energies. It can create a safe and protective energy field around a person or space.
- Clarity and Insight: Satin spar is thought to promote mental clarity and insight, helping individuals to see situations clearly and make informed decisions.
- Healing: It is used in holistic healing practices to support physical and emotional healing. Satin spar is said to help with skeletal issues and enhance overall well-being.
- Connecting with Higher Realms: While grounding, it also facilitates a connection with higher spiritual realms, making it a versatile stone for both grounding and spiritual growth.
Selenite Properties
(source)
- Cleansing and Purifying: Selenite is renowned for its ability to cleanse and purify negative energy from other crystals, spaces, and the aura. It is often used to clear energy blockages and ensure a clean energy flow.
- High Vibration: Selenite is considered a high-vibration crystal, meaning it resonates at a high frequency. This makes it excellent for enhancing spiritual growth and raising one’s consciousness.
- Mental Clarity: It is believed to promote mental clarity and clear thinking, making it easier to make decisions and solve problems. It helps to remove mental fog and confusion.
- Spiritual Connection: Selenite is associated with the crown chakra and is thought to facilitate a strong connection to higher spiritual realms, guides, and angels. It aids in accessing higher states of consciousness and divine wisdom.
- Peace and Calm: The energy of selenite is calming and soothing, helping to alleviate stress and create a peaceful atmosphere. It is often used in meditation and relaxation practices.
- Protection: Selenite is considered a protective stone that can shield a person or space from negative influences and energies. It is often placed near doorways and windows to create a protective barrier.
- Alignment and Balance: Selenite is believed to help align and balance the chakras and the energy body. It can also enhance the alignment of the spinal column and the physical body.
- Energy Amplification: Selenite can amplify the energy of other crystals and is often used to boost the effects of crystal grids and other energetic tools.
- Healing: In holistic healing practices, selenite is used to promote energetic healing and balance. It is said to assist with issues related to the nervous system and enhance overall well-being.
The short answer is while there are many similarities between the two forms of the gypsum crystal - they are not exactly the same.
References:
- Full Guide To Selenite vs. Satin Spar (This Is The Difference)
- Satin Spar: Meaning, Properties, Benefits You Should Know
- https://spiritualityshepherd.com/satin-spar-vs-selenite/
- Selenite: Ultimate Guide To Collecting Selenite (What It Is and Where To Find It) - Rock Seeker
- https://rockchasing.com/satin-spar-vs-selenite/
- Selenite or Satin Spar? – The Citrine Circle
- Selenite (mineral) - Wikipedia
I loved reading all of this. Well, I mean, shops selling one misguidedly as the other kinda annoys me, but your wisdom sharing more than offsets that annoyance. 
honestly, I think I picked it up at TJ Maxx or something like that for $15 and it’s a decent size, too.
I’ve kept this tower near the entryway to my house to help keep negativity out.
It’s great!
