sedimentary

Desert Rose (Baryte or Gypsum)

Barium sulfate (BaSO4) or Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Hardness: 2 (Gypsum) or 3-3.5 (Baryte); Color: Tan, beige, or white; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Tabular crystals forming a rosette shape; Cleavage: Perfect; SG: 2.3 (Gypsum) to 4.5 (Baryte).

Hardness: 2 (Gypsum) or 3-3
Color: Tan, beige, or white
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified July 13, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Desert Rose (Baryte or Gypsum) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in arid sandy conditions through the evaporation of mineral-rich water. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind crystals that incorporate sand grains into their structure, resulting in a rose-like petal pattern common in desert regions worldwide.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as decorative specimens for collectors, in lapidary work, and sometimes as a flux in glassmaking if pure. Also used in spiritual/metaphysical practices.

Geological facts

The 'petals' are actually individual crystals that have trapped sand particles during growth. Despite their delicate floral appearance, these are entirely inorganic mineral formations.

Field identification & locations

Look for interlocking bladed crystals that appear to grow from a central point. Common in regions like the Sahara Desert (Algeria, Morocco), the Gobi Desert, and the Southwest United States (Oklahoma, Arizona).

Other sedimentary specimens

See all

Sandstone or Siltstone

Arenite (if sandstone)

Sedimentary

Mudstone

Argillite / Siliciclastic sedimentary rock

sedimentary

Brown Sandstone (River Rock)

Arenite

sedimentary

Cone-in-cone structure (Limestone)

Cone-in-cone structure (Secondary Sedimentary Structure)

sedimentary

Sandstone Grain

Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)

sedimentary

Sandstone

Arenite (primarily SiO2)

sedimentary