mineral
Desert Rose (Gypsum Rose)
Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Hardness: 1.5 - 2 on Mohs scale; Color: tan, sand, brownish, or dull white; Luster: earthy to vitreous; Crystal structure: monoclinic tabular blades forming rosette clusters; Specific gravity: 2.3
- Hardness
- 1
- Color
- tan, sand, brownish, or dull white
- Luster
- earthy to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 1.5 - 2 on Mohs scale; Color: tan, sand, brownish, or dull white; Luster: earthy to vitreous; Crystal structure: monoclinic tabular blades forming rosette clusters; Specific gravity: 2.3
Formation & geological history
Formed in arid, sandy desert environments through the evaporation of shallow, salty water basins. Intersecting bladed crystals trap sand grains within their structure as they grow.
Uses & applications
Popular as a decorative display mineral and collector specimen; widely used in metaphysical collections and crystal healing practice.
Geological facts
Also known as Sand Rose, Rose Rock, or Selenite Rose. Native Americans in Oklahoma used rose rocks as currency, and Oklahoma made the barite variant its official state rock.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive rosette-like pattern composed of flattened bladed crystals impregnated with sand. Common in dry lake beds and desert regions like Morocco, Tunisia, Mexico, and Arizona.
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Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
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sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock