mineral
Desert Rose
Gypsum rosette (CaSO4·2H2O)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 2 on the Mohs scale, tan to brown color, pearly to vitreous luster, and a distinctive rosette crystal habit with embedded sand grains.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 2 on the Mohs scale, tan to brown color, pearly to vitreous luster, and a distinctive rosette crystal habit with embedded sand grains.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the evaporation of shallow, saline basins in arid desert environments over thousands of years.
Uses & applications
Primarily valued as a decorative ornamental specimen for mineral collections and home decor.
Geological facts
Desert roses often trap a large amount of sand within their crystal structure during formation, sometimes making up over half their weight.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified in the field by its flower-like cluster of flat crystal plates; found worldwide in arid regions like the Sahara and southwestern USA.
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Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous