Selenite vs Selenium: What Are They, And What's The Difference?

Since their names are so similar, people frequently confuse Selenite and Selenium.

While these two elements are similarly named, they are in fact very different.

Throughout this article, you’ll learn everything you ever wanted to know about selenite vs selenium, including how they are similar, how they are different and what their common uses are.

Selenite vs Selenium: Explained

What Is Selenite?

The mineral Selenite is a crystallized form of gypsum.

Gypsum is one of the most abundant minerals on earth, it is easy to carve into sculptures and other objects.

Its name comes from the Greek word “Selene” which means “moon” due to its color and appearance.

Selenite is typically colorless and transparent.

It can range from small in size to hundreds of carats.

What is Selenium?

Selenium is a chemical element on the periodic table.

Its symbol is Se and its atomic number is 34.

It is also a mineral that is found in soil, it is naturally present in water and in some foods.

Humans require selenium in small amounts as a nutrient to assist with metabolism and to prevent some kinds of infections.

Selenium is stored in our skeletal muscles.

How are Selenite and Selenium similar?

The similarities between selenite and selenium are actually few.

The only real similarity is that selenite is a form of selenium that is found in the soil.

How are Selenite and Selenium different?

The differences between selenite and selenium are many, such as the fact that selenium is actually essential for the human body but selenite is toxic if ingested or absorbed by the human body.

Selenium is accumulated in the body and can help to repair DNA cells and provides some protection in stressful conditions.

Selenite is not accumulated in the body and can actually damage DNA and does not provide any protection in stressful conditions.

Why do people often confuse Selenite With Selenium?

People confuse selenite and selenium because both of these elements are naturally occurring and have similar sounding names.

However, they are very different, have very different uses and should not be confused with each other.

How Do you Identify Selenite vs Selenium?

Selenite is fairly easy to identify, it is usually either a milky white color or transparent.

It might be carved into an object or come in a wand-like shape. You can scratch it with your fingernail to test its hardness.

Selenium is found in certain foods, water and in dietary supplements.

Where can you find Selenium?

Selenium occurs in water and some foods, you can also purchase dietary supplements for selenium.

Foods that contain selenium include:

Nuts – namely Brazil Nuts and Walnuts (one ounce of Brazil nuts provides 989% of the daily recommended amount of selenium)
Fish – both fresh and saltwater fish including tuna, cod, red snapper, herring and halibut
Beef
Poultry – eggs (one large egg contains 15mcg of selenium)
Grains – cooked brown rice (one cup provides 19 mcg); white bread (one slice equals 10mcg)

Whole foods are the best way to get the full benefits of selenium because the positive properties of selenium will likely be destroyed during processing.

Where can you find Selenite?

Selenite is mined in locations all over the globe.

It can be found on every continent.

Of course, most people aren’t going to go mining to get selenite, so the easiest way to get it is by visiting metaphysical stores or other places that sell gems and minerals, including online marketplaces.

Australia, Mexico, Morocco, Greece and the United States are some common places where Selenite is mined. There are some massive caves where selenite has been mined, including

What are the physical properties of Selenite and what is it used for?

Selenite is touted for holding many physical properties and people use it for a wide range of uses.

Selenite is thought to be calming and instilling of peaceful feelings.

It is frequently used for meditation or spiritual work.

It is also believed to aid in judgment and providing insight.

Many also believe that it helps with the spinal column and flexibility.

What are the physical properties of Selenium and what is it used for?

Selenium is widely thought to have antioxidant properties and to be very beneficial for the immune system and for the metabolism.

It is also believed to improve cognitive abilities, our immune systems and even fertility.

Selenium’s antioxidants have been proven to help reduce the risk of some cancers and chronic illnesses including cardiac disease.

Taking selenium supplements may also help patients undergoing radiation therapy by making their day to day life better.

Selenium may help those with Alzheimer’s Disease with their memory loss as well as having an overall benefit on cognitive abilities.

Studies also show that selenium is necessary to help with thyroid hormone production and that people with higher levels of selenium’s immune system can be boosted in cases of HIV, the Flu, and hepatitis as well as tuberculosis.

Selenium is also believed to help relieve asthma symptoms because it serves as an anti-inflammatory agent in the body.

What do people consider the metaphysical properties and uses for Selenite?

Selenite is associated with the crown chakra, it is considered a very powerful cleansing, purifying and healing stone.

Selenite is an uplifting stone that is used to clear negative energy.

It is used to cleanse other stones and is very often used in spiritual and healing work, including mediation, reiki, yoga and much more.

It is used to cleanse auras, chakras, and physical spaces.

Selenite is used in three primary ways; by being worn, carried and placed strategically around one’s home.