mineral
Desert Rose (Gelenite)
Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate, CaSO4·2H2O)
Hardness: 2.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Cream, tan, or white; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal Structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Perfect; Specific Gravity: 2.3
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Cream, tan, or white
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Cream, tan, or white; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal Structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Perfect; Specific Gravity: 2.3
Formation & geological history
Forms in arid sandy environments through the evaporation of salt-rich water basin. The crystals incorporate sand grains as they grow, creating the characteristic bladed, rose-like clusters.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as decorative specimens for collectors, metaphysical purposes, and occasionally in the manufacture of plaster or drywall when found in massive quantities.
Geological facts
The 'petals' are actually flattened crystals of gypsum or barite. They usually lack a defined geological age as they can form in relatively recent quaternary deposits in desert basins.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its bladed crystal habit forming rosettes and its softness (can be scratched by a fingernail). Commonly found in the Sahara Desert, Mexico, and the Southwestern United States.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
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