mineral

Desert Rose (Baryte/Gypsum Rosette)

Baryte (BaSO4) or Gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 2.0 (Gypsum) to 3.5 (Baryte); Color: Sandy tan, off-white, or brownish; Luster: Pearly to dull/earthy; Crystal structure: Tabular crystals in a radiating 'rose-like' cluster; Cleavage: Good in one direction; Specific gravity: 2.3 for Gypsum, 4.5 for Baryte.

Hardness: 2
Color: Sandy tan, off-white, or brownish
Luster: Pearly to dull/earthy

Identified March 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the evaporation of saline water in arid, sandy environments. As the water evaporates, minerals crystallize around trapped sand grains, creating the distinctive petal-like circular growth. These can range in age from Holocene to millions of years old.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as decorative display specimens and popular items for mineral collectors. Baryte is used industrially as a weighting agent in drilling mud, while gypsum is used in drywall and plaster; however, the 'rose' formation is rarely used for industrial feedstock due to its value as a specimen.

Geological facts

The 'petals' are actually individual crystals that have incorporated a massive amount of surrounding sand during their growth. Some rare desert roses from Oklahoma (Baryte) are designated as the official state rock.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by looking for 'flower' shapes in dry lake beds or desert dunes. Common locations include the Sahara Desert, Mexico, and the United States (Oklahoma and Arizona). Collectors should handle them carefully as they are fragile and can lose sand particles.