Selenite is a very soft mineral also known as alabaster and gypsum. In sandy areas, selenite sometimes forms a rosette pattern making a mineral formation called a Desert Rose.

Selenite desert rose (mscaprikell)

Nineveh

Selenite was the most common gemstone used to make beads in the ancient town of Nineveh.

Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, ca. 1665 (rawpixel)

Vermeer

The 17th century Dutch artist Jan Vermeer made his luminous white paint from powdered selenite and quartz.

Symbolism

US State: Oklahoma, official state rock (desert rose)


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