Desert Rose is the name given to rosette formations of the minerals gypsum and barite with sand
inclusions. The 'petals' are crystals flattened , fanning open along characteristic gypsum cleavage
planes. The rosette crystal habit tends to occur when the crystals form in arid sandy conditions, such as
the evaporation of a shallow salt basin.

 Desert roses are mineral formations that are found on the surface and are beautiful examples of the
natural power of the shaping forces of wind, water and pressure in dry, arid regions. These formations
are also called Sand Roses, Rose Rocks, Selenite Roses, Gypsum Roses, andBarite Roses

 Desert roses are crystal-like formations and may produce a rose shape, multiple plates adjoining at
angles or the formations may look like a cluster of cereal flakes. They can look like flowers that have
turned to stone. Native American stories told us that these were rocks carved into flowers by our
ancestors to let us know they were here before us. Desert Roses take on the color of the sand because
Selenite is a fibrous mineral and fine sand becomes trapped between the fibers as it crystallizes