Desert rose from Mexico fantastic decorative cross section.

A desert rose (also called sand rose) is a mixture of the mineral gypsum and grains of sand that are embedded in the crystal lattice of that mineral. Desert roses are also formed with baryta. It is not a pure mineral and not a rock in the strict sense. Some believe that it can best be classified as rock. Desert roses are formed in deserts where groundwater rises to the surface through capillary action and evaporates quickly. The groundwater must also contain the right minerals (gypsum and/or barite) that remain where the water evaporates. Desert roses are popular objects among mineral collectors. Healers attribute beneficial effects to the desert rose. For example, the desert rose is said to help against radiation and improve consciousness from the heart. The most beautiful comes from the Sahara in Tunisia. Desert rose dissolves in water and is very soft and easy to damage.