mineral

Desert Rose

Gypsum (variety Selenite) or Barite, CaSO4·2H2O

Hardness: 2.0 (Gypsum) or 3.0-3.5 (Barite); Color: Tan, white, or desert sand brown; Luster: Pearly to dull; Crystal structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Good; Specific gravity: 2.3

Hardness: 2
Color: Tan, white, or desert sand brown
Luster: Pearly to dull

Identified March 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 2.0 (Gypsum) or 3.0-3.5 (Barite); Color: Tan, white, or desert sand brown; Luster: Pearly to dull; Crystal structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Good; Specific gravity: 2.3

Formation & geological history

Formed in arid sandy conditions through the evaporation of shallow salt basins. As water evaporates, crystals of gypsum or barite grow in a circular, flattened pattern around sand grains which provide the color and texture.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as decorative display pieces, for geological collections, and in metaphysical practices. Larger gypsum deposits are used for industrial plaster and drywall.

Geological facts

Desert roses are not actual flowers but are named for their rosette shape. They often incorporate local sand grains into their crystal structure. The specimen from Oklahoma (Barite Rose) was named the official state rock in 1968.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive 'petal' structure of flat crystals radiating from a center. Commonly found in North Africa (Sahara), Mexico, and the Southwestern United States (Oklahoma and Arizona). Collectors should look in dry lake beds or salt pans.

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