mineral

Desert Rose (Baryte or Selenite)

Barium Sulfate (BaSO4) or Hydrous Calcium Sulfate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Hardness: 2.0 (Selenite) to 3.5 (Baryte), Color: Tan to reddish-brown (sandy), Luster: Pearly to earthy, Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic or Monoclinic cluster blades, Cleavage: Perfect, Specific Gravity: 2.3 - 4.5

Hardness: 2

Identified June 18, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in arid, sandy environments through the evaporation of salt basins or groundwater, where gypsum or baryte crystals trap sand grains as they grow into rose-like clusters.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as decorative specimens for mineral collectors, lapidary art, and metaphysical purposes. Baryte itself is used in drilling fluids and paper manufacturing.

Geological facts

The 'petals' are formed by flattened crystals that incorporate sand within their structure. They are often found in the Sahara Desert, Mexico, and Oklahoma, where the reddish variety is the state rock.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive rosette shape and sandy texture. It feels gritty to the touch and can be brittle. Common in desert lake beds or dry salt pans.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

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