mineral
Desert Rose Selenite (Gypsum)
Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate) - CaSO4·2H2O
Hardness: 2 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, brown, or sandy white; Luster: Vitreous to pearly on crystal faces, earthy on sandy surfaces; Crystal structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in one direction (though often obscured by sand inclusions); Specific gravity: 2.3
- Hardness
- 2 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Tan, brown, or sandy white
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, brown, or sandy white; Luster: Vitreous to pearly on crystal faces, earthy on sandy surfaces; Crystal structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in one direction (though often obscured by sand inclusions); Specific gravity: 2.3
Formation & geological history
Formed in arid environments through the evaporation of salt-rich water. As groundwater evaporates, crystals grow in the spaces between sand grains, trapping the sand within the crystal structure to form unique bladed or petal-like clusters. Most found today are from the Holocene to Pleistocene epochs.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as decorative display specimens for collectors and in metaphysical practices. Industrial gypsum is used for drywall (plasterboard), fertilizer, and cement, though crystalline rose forms are kept for aesthetics.
Geological facts
The 'petals' of the desert rose are actually crystals of selenite gypsum or barite. Unlike some minerals that form in deep caves, these form very close to the surface in shallow, sandy basins.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its distinct bladed, flower-like habit and its extreme softness (it can easily be scratched with a fingernail). Commonly found in the Sahara Desert, Mexico (Chihuahua), and the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico).
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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)
Metamorphic Rock