mineral

Selenite desert rose

Gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O), rosette habit

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Usually colorless, white, tan, or brown from sand inclusions; pearly to vitreous luster, transparent to translucent, excellent cleavage, and hardness 2 on the Mohs scale. The bladed crystals form radiating, petal-like rosettes.

Identified August 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in evaporite environments when gypsum crystallizes from saline groundwater or drying lake and desert sediments, commonly incorporating sand. Specimens are generally geologically young, forming during Quaternary arid-climate conditions.

Uses & applications

Primarily collected as a decorative mineral and educational specimen; gypsum is also used broadly for plaster, drywall, cement, and agricultural soil treatment. Desert roses are not typically used as gemstones because they are very soft and fragile.

Geological facts

The “petals” are gypsum crystals, while the brown color and gritty texture commonly come from trapped quartz sand. Despite the name, this is not a biological rose or an igneous rock.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its radiating rosette shape, sandy coating, very low hardness, and cleavage; a fingernail can scratch gypsum. Common localities include Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mexico, Oklahoma, and parts of the Sahara.