mineral

Desert rose

Gypsum (selenite) rosette, CaSO₄·2H₂O

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

A cluster of bladed gypsum crystals forming a rosette, with a pale beige-white color and pearly to dull luster. Mohs hardness 2; perfect cleavage, low specific gravity (~2.3), and commonly fragile, thin crystal blades. The apparent sand inclusions give it a dusty texture.

Identified August 16, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when gypsum crystallizes in arid soils from evaporating groundwater, trapping sand between radiating blades. It is a recent sedimentary evaporite formation rather than an igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rock; individual specimens may form over thousands to millions of years.

Uses & applications

Primarily a decorative and collecting specimen; too soft and fragile for most jewelry or construction use. Gypsum itself is widely used in plaster, drywall, cement, and fertilizer.

Geological facts

The specimen’s rosette texture strongly matches a desert rose, not a conventional rose-shaped rock. Common varieties include selenite roses and barite roses; gypsum roses are notably soft and can be scratched with a fingernail.

Field identification & locations

Likely gypsum if a fingernail scratches it and the blades are very light; barite roses are heavier and harder. Common near evaporite deposits in Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Spain, and parts of the southwestern United States; it is geologically unusual around 45.9°N, 4.8°E unless imported or locally collected from an evaporitic occurrence.