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UOOAK-S7-116
Desert roses form where water evaporates from sandy basins, leaving behind rosettes of crystal petals with sand trapped inside. This gypsum specimen has its own combination of petals, textures and earthy tones.
It is a fascinating conversation piece for a bookshelf, a desk or a mineral cabinet, and a lovely way to bring a piece of the desert indoors. The petals catch side light beautifully, casting tiny shadows that show off their layered shapes. Desert roses make thoughtful gifts for travelers, geology fans and anyone who loves natural sculpture. This is the exact specimen shown.
The specimen is about 5.5 by 3.25 by 3.25 inches. Sand grains are naturally trapped in the crystals, so a little shedding is normal.
Desert rose is a rosette formation of gypsum or barite crystals that includes sand grains. It forms in arid, sandy conditions such as evaporating shallow salt basins. Gypsum desert roses, a form of selenite, are very soft and dissolve slowly in water.