Every petal on a desert rose is a crystal blade that grew in the sand, and this large Moroccan cluster is built from many of those rosettes.
Desert roses only form in very dry places, and this one formed in the arid Sahara of Morocco as barite crystals grew in rosettes around grains of sand. At about 14.75 inches long and just over 5 kilograms, it is a showpiece for a mantel or a long shelf, where good lighting brings out the layered petals and the shadows between them. Barite is unusually dense, so the cluster feels heavier than it looks and sits steadily once placed. The close up photo shows the rosettes in detail, and the back and side views show the full shape. It makes a memorable gift for a mineral collector, a desert lover or someone who has traveled in Morocco. This is the exact cluster shown.
The cluster is about 14.75 by 7.5 by 6.5 inches tall and weighs about 5.12 kilograms (11 lbs 5 oz). Look at the ruler photo for scale.
About Desert Rose
A desert rose is a rosette formation of gypsum or barite crystals that grows around sand grains in arid, sandy places such as evaporating shallow salt basins. Barite is barium sulfate, unusually heavy for a nonmetallic mineral, which is how it got its name from the Greek word for heavy. It is soft, 2.5 to 3.5 on the Mohs scale, and often forms bladed crystals.
Stone Meaning: Desert rose is traditionally associated with resilience and adaptability.
Additional Details
- You receive the exact desert rose cluster shown.
- About 14.75" x 7.5" x 6.5" tall; about 5.12kg.
- Origin: Morocco.
- Desert rose is soft and the petal edges can crumble; keep it dry and dust with a soft brush.
- Heavy; lift with two hands from the base, not by the petals.
- Photos show the actual piece.
Shipping and Returns
- Carefully packed in reinforced packaging made to protect fragile crystals and minerals in transit.
- We have shipped delicate stones for years, and every order is packed with that experience.
- Covered by our 30-day return policy.
Disclaimer: Please consult a healthcare professional for any medical advice. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition.
