mineral
Desert Rose
Gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) or Baryte (BaSO4) with trapped sand grains
Hardness: 2 (Gypsum) or 3-3.5 (Baryte); Color: Tan, brown, or sandy-white; Luster: Dull or pearly; Crystal structure: Monoclinic (Gypsum) or Orthorhombic (Baryte) bladed clusters; Cleavage: Perfect in one direction, though obscured by sand; Specific gravity: 2.3 (Gypsum) or 4.5 (Baryte).
- Hardness
- 2 (Gypsum) or 3-3
- Color
- Tan, brown, or sandy-white
- Luster
- Dull or pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2 (Gypsum) or 3-3.5 (Baryte); Color: Tan, brown, or sandy-white; Luster: Dull or pearly; Crystal structure: Monoclinic (Gypsum) or Orthorhombic (Baryte) bladed clusters; Cleavage: Perfect in one direction, though obscured by sand; Specific gravity: 2.3 (Gypsum) or 4.5 (Baryte).
Formation & geological history
Formed in arid, sandy conditions during the evaporation of shallow salt basins or groundwater. As water evaporates, crystals grow in the spaces between sand grains, incorporating them into the crystal structure. They are typically found in Holocene to Pleistocene sedimentary deposits.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as decorative display specimens for mineral collectors, lapidary art, and sometimes in metaphysical practices. Gypsum itself is used commercially for drywall and plaster.
Geological facts
Desert Roses are also known as 'Sand Roses' or 'Selenite Roses' when composed of gypsum. A famous variety from Oklahoma, the 'Barite Rose,' was designated as the state rock in 1968.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by looking for bladed, flower-like clusters in sandy, desert environments. They feel slightly gritty to the touch due to the sand content. Common locations include the Sahara Desert, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the Southwestern United States.
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metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
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