mineral
Desert Rose (Barite Rose / Gypsum Rose)
Barium Sulfate (BaSO4) or Hydrated Calcium Sulfate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Hardness 3 - 3.5 (Barite) or 2 (Gypsum), earthy to vitreous luster, tan to brownish-sandy color, tabular rosettelike crystal habit, high specific gravity if barite.
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Physical properties
Hardness 3 - 3.5 (Barite) or 2 (Gypsum), earthy to vitreous luster, tan to brownish-sandy color, tabular rosettelike crystal habit, high specific gravity if barite.
Formation & geological history
Formed in arid, sandy environments through the evaporation of shallow, mineral-rich water basins. As water evaporates, the crystals grow around sand grains, trapping them into distinct rosette shapes.
Uses & applications
Popular as decorative display specimens, rock collection pieces, and metaphysical stones.
Geological facts
These rosette structures look like petrified rose petals. The brown color comes from sand grains trapped inside the crystal structure as it crystallized.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified by its distinctive rose-like radial cluster habit and sandy texture. Commonly found in desert environments like Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and Oklahoma, USA.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock