mineral

Barite Rose (Desert Rose)

Barium Sulfate (BaSO4)

Hardness: 3.0-3.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Tan, reddish-brown, or sandy cream; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Orthorhombic (bladed crystals radiating from a center); Cleavage: Perfect; Specific gravity: 4.3-4.5.

Hardness: 3
Color: Tan, reddish-brown, or sandy cream
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified March 23, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the evaporation of water in arid sandy environments. As groundwater rich in dissolved barium sulfate evaporates, barite crystals grow within the pore spaces of sand, incorporating sand grains into the crystal structure. They are typically found in sedimentary formations from the Permian and Triassic periods.

Uses & applications

Primary source of Barium used in drilling mud for the oil/gas industry, medicine (barium meals), and high-quality paint fillers. The rose-shaped specimens are primarily for mineral collecting, metaphysical use, and decorative lapidary work.

Geological facts

The Barite Rose was named the official state rock of Oklahoma in 1968. While similar in appearance to 'Gypsum Roses' or 'Selenite Roses', Barite is significantly heavier and harder than gypsum.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its characteristic 'rosette' shape composed of radiating blades and its surprising weight (high specific gravity) compared to similar-looking rocks. Most famously found in the Garber Sandstone of Oklahoma, USA, but also in parts of the Sahara Desert and Mexico.