mineral

Desert rose (gypsum)

Gypsum, CaSO₄·2H₂O; commonly a rosette of bladed gypsum crystals, sometimes with sand inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically white to tan, pearly or silky luster, Mohs hardness 2, monoclinic crystals with good cleavage. The pictured pale, layered rosette is consistent with gypsum.

Identified October 5, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Typically white to tan, pearly or silky luster, Mohs hardness 2, monoclinic crystals with good cleavage. The pictured pale, layered rosette is consistent with gypsum.

Formation & geological history

Forms as evaporating saline water precipitates gypsum in arid settings, often around sandy sediment; deposits range from recent to ancient, depending on the basin.

Uses & applications

Collected as a natural decorative specimen; gypsum is also used to make plaster and drywall, and as a soil amendment.

Geological facts

Desert roses grow as interlocking crystal blades that trap sand, producing their characteristic flower-like form.

Field identification & locations

Look for a rosette of thin, curved blades that can be scratched with a fingernail; common in deserts and evaporite deposits, including North Africa and the southwestern United States.