Comparison · Minerals
Alabaster vs Selenite
Alabaster and Selenite are easy to confuse because both are minerals. Both sit near Mohs 1.5–2, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Alabaster and Selenite
- Both sit near Mohs 1.5–2, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Alabaster is Translucent to opaque, Selenite is transparent.
- They overlap in pink and gray, but Alabaster also comes in white, yellow, and multicolored and Selenite also comes in clear.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Alabaster is Monoclinic, Selenite is monoclinic.
Alabaster vs Selenite properties
| Property | Alabaster | Selenite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 1.5–2 | 2 |
| Luster | Vitreous (crystalline); waxy to dull (massive) | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 2.3 | 2.3 |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic | monoclinic |
| Common colors | White, Cream, Pale pink, Yellowish, Gray, Banded | Colorless, White, Peach, Gray |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $5–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Typical specimens of Alabaster and Selenite trade in a similar range, around $20.
About Alabaster
Alabaster is a fine-grained, massive variety of gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate, CaSO4·2H2O), prized since antiquity for carving because of its softness and ability to take a smooth polish. Unlike crystalline selenite, alabaster shows no visible crystal faces, appearing instead as a compact, sugary or waxy mass. Its low hardness and solubility in water set it apart from harder ornamental stones like marble, which it is often confused with by name alone.
About Selenite
Selenite is a crystalline form of gypsum known for its transparency and moon-like glow. The Cave of Crystals in Mexico contains selenite crystals up to 12 meters long.
Alabaster vs Selenite FAQ
Is Alabaster the same as Selenite?
No. Both are minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 1.5–2, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Alabaster from Selenite?
Both sit near Mohs 1.5–2, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Alabaster is Translucent to opaque, Selenite is transparent. They overlap in pink and gray, but Alabaster also comes in white, yellow, and multicolored and Selenite also comes in clear.
Which is harder, Alabaster or Selenite?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 1.5–2.
Which is more valuable, Alabaster or Selenite?
Typical specimens of Alabaster and Selenite trade in a similar range, around $20.
