Selenite crystals dangerous to herps (snakes in specific)?

[Kinstrome]

This is a strange-sounding question, but I am wondering if these crystals pose any threat to herps. I am trying to create a vivarium modeled like a crystal-dotted forest from a video game, but I obviously don't want to put in anything that could hurt an animal. These crystals tend to flake slightly when gripped with a hand, although I don't know if a snake would get any of that on it simply by curving around one.

Two important things to note:
1) The crystals will not have any edges sharp enough that even a snake squeezing around it would be harmed.
2) The crystals will not be placed where any flakes could get into a water source. Neither the water dish nor the drainage layer.

The snake I have in mind to put in it is a Red-Tailed Green Rat Snake, although I'm not married to that idea. I just have these crystals lying around from something else and wanted to make an attractive setup. Obviously, if they pose a threat to animals living around them, I won't put them in.

Thanks for any help.

[paulh]

Selenite crystals are calcium sulfate dihydrate. Calcium sulfate is an irritant, and hydrates will dissolve in water. There is water in snake poop, which cannot be guaranteed to be kept away from the crystals. So I would keep those crystals out of any of my snake cages.

[Kinstrome]

Thanks for your answer.

Another question: If I could coat the whole crystal in a film of PVA glue or some clear, non-toxic substance, would that neutralize the threat? Supposing it not longer dissolved in water.

EDIT: PVA glue is just an example, I mean anything clear that does not lose power in situations where it is exposed to a small amount of water.

[Sauzo]

Personally i wouldnt even chance it. If you want crystals, just order some quartz crystals online or even amethyst or pretty much any other quartz based stuff like smokey quartz etc.

[Kinstrome]

You're right, I certainly don't want to endanger his life. Most of the reason I wanted to use them was that they were already there. But now that they gave me the idea for it, I might just have to order some quartz and see how that works. Thanks!

P.S. I might experiment with a piece of selenite and a sealant to see how water-resistant they are, but I'll probably stick with the quartz crystals.

[baldegale]

You're right, I certainly don't want to endanger his life. Most of the reason I wanted to use them was that they were already there. But now that they gave me the idea for it, I might just have to order some quartz and see how that works. Thanks!

P.S. I might experiment with a piece of selenite and a sealant to see how water-resistant they are, but I'll probably stick with the quartz crystals.

i think quartz would look a lot nicer too, might just have to sand down the sharp edges


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[Kinstrome]

i think quartz would look a lot nicer too, might just have to sand down the sharp edges


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I had the same thought, but it'll be worth it.

[Craiga 01453]

I would just simply say "when in doubt, leave it out."

Potentially putting the animal at risk for our own visual enjoyment simply isn't worth the risk

[Kinstrome]

Quartz it is, then. I can always use the selenite crystals in a regular, uninhabited terrarium.