mineral

Desert Rose (Gypsum Variety)

Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate) - CaSO4·2H2O

Hardness: 2 on Mohs scale (can be scratched by a fingernail). Color: Tan, brownish, or sandy white due to sand inclusions. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Monoclinic, typically forming radiating clusters of bladed crystals. Cleavage: Perfect in one direction.

Hardness: 2 on Mohs scale (can be scratched by a fingernail)
Color: Tan, brownish, or sandy white due to sand inclusions
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified February 22, 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 in arid, sandy conditions through the evaporation of salt-rich water. As the water evaporates, gypsum or barite crystals precipitate around sand grains, trapping them within the crystal structure. They are typically found in Holocene to Pleistocene sedimentary deposits.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as decorative collector specimens and for metaphysical purposes. Industrial gypsum is used for drywall, plaster, and fertilizer, though 'Desert Rose' specimens are rarely used for these industrial tasks due to sand impurities.

Geological facts

Desert roses are unique because they are 'sand-inclusive' crystals, meaning they contain up to 70% sand. They are known as 'Selenite Roses' when composed of gypsum or 'Barite Roses' when harder and denser. The state rock of Oklahoma is the Barite Rose.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct rosette or petal-like crystal arrangement and very low hardness (it will easily scratch with a copper penny or fingernail). Commonly found in the Sahara Desert, the Gobi Desert, and areas of the Southwestern United States and Mexico.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral