Can Selenite Get Wet? My Honest, Tested Answer

Last Updated on December 29, 2023

If you recently purchased a piece of selenite to add to your collection—or it’s the very first crystal, gem, stone, or mineral in your entire collection—the first question you might be wondering is this: Can selenite get wet?

Selenite is a rarity amongst the crystal, gem, stone, and mineral collecting world because no, it cannot get wet.

There is no debate on this topic as selenite is highly soluble in water and dissolves when left in water, even for short periods of time.

Because selenite is water soluble, this eliminates water as a cleansing method when ridding it of negative energy. Luckily for you, this article goes into the details of why selenite cannot get wet, as well as various other methods you might use to cleanse your selenite instead of water.

Can Selenite Get Wet?

When it comes to minerals, you cannot really get a much softer mineral than selenite.

Selenite is only a 2 on the Mohs Hardness Scale—on this scale, 1 represents the softest mineral while 10 the hardest—which is why it cannot go in water. Due to the fact that selenite is so soft, it dissolves in water.

Of course, if you do manage to accidentally drip some water on your selenite or forget to take off your selenite bracelet or ring before you hop into the shower, don’t panic. Your selenite can still be salvaged. Just remove the selenite from water as soon as possible and dry it completely with a cloth or towel.

How Long Does it Take Selenite to Dissolve?

Selenite does not dissolve right away when it gets wet, but if you place your selenite in a water bath and forget about it for a couple hours, there’s a good chance that your selenite will be damaged when you return.

If you leave selenite in water for an extended period of time, you might find that parts of it dissolve, and it is quite a bit smaller than the original piece. There’s also a possibility that the water could eat away at the polish, finish, or oil on the outside of the selenite and completely dull its vibrant white color.

To avoid potential damage, it is always best to keep selenite out of water whenever possible.

Is Selenite Toxic When it Gets Wet?

The most common type of selenite sold in local crystal and gem shops is calcium sulfate selenite, which is generally not toxic. However, there is another variety of selenite known as sodium selenite, which is considered toxic when ingested or inhaled.

Because the exact composition of your particular piece of selenite is likely unknown when purchasing it, it is not recommended that you put it in your bath water or make selenite-infused water since there is the chance that it could be sodium selenite rather than the more common type.

Can Selenite Be in the Sun?

Selenite cannot get wet, but it can go in the sun.

Sunlight is one of many alternative methods for recharging and cleansing selenite. If you are going to use sunlight to recharge your selenite, it is beneficial to stay mindful of how long you are putting it in sunlight. If selenite spends more than a couple hours in the sun on a regular basis, you may see the color start to fade.

Another precaution to take is placing your selenite out of direct sunlight. Direct sunlight is more likely to damage and fade selenite, so it is best to place it on a windowsill or in a room that provides some shade from direct sunlight.

In addition to using sunlight to recharge and cleanse selenite, you might also allow it to rest on a bed of salt or fresh green herbs, place it next to—but not directly in—water, or smudge it.

What is Selenite Used for?

Selenite has an array of valuable energetic properties that can be utilized when properly cleansed and recharged.

Some of the more common uses of selenite include acting as a cleanser for other crystals and gems, as well as ridding spaces of negative energy. On a personal level, selenite is also used to promote clarity, peace of mind, calmness of the mind and body, and is an excellent tool for manifestation.

If you are seeking to rid your life of negative vibes and replace them with personal fulfillment and clarity, adding selenite to your collection is a solid place to start.

Eran Hayo is the Chief Editor of Jewels Advisor, with over 5 years of experience in the fields of jewelry and memorabilia. He built Jewels Advisor to serve one main purpose – to teach you everything he knows about jewelry, and help you make better-informed decisions when buying diamonds and engagement rings online. His work has been cited on famous publications such as The Sun, MSN and WikiHow.