Description
A desert rose (also called a sand rose) is a mixture of the mineral gypsum and sand grains embedded in the mineral's crystal lattice. Desert roses are also sometimes formed with barite. It is not a pure mineral and, strictly speaking, not a rock. Some believe it should be classified as a rock. Desert roses are formed in deserts where groundwater rises to the surface through capillary action and quickly evaporates. Moreover, the groundwater must contain the right minerals (gypsum and/or barite) that remain where the water evaporates. Desert roses are popular among mineral collectors. Quacks attribute healing properties to the desert rose. For example, the desert rose is said to help protect against radiation.
