Our Planet

Desert Rose

Cluster of Selenite (Gypsum) Crystals

Found in the 

Sahara Desert

Selenite (more commonly known as gypsum) is a typical sedimentary mineral.It can form in many different ways, but it most commonly precipitates from hot springs or forms within clay deposits.

Its appearance can vary widely. In some cases, gypsum forms gigantic crystals, such as the famous “swords” of Naica in Chihuahua, Mexico. In other cases, it appears as a massive, granular material, like alabaster. 

This is an exceptionally large desert rose from Tunisia, weighing 826 kg (approximately 1,821 lbs) and measuring 150 × 110 × 85 cm.

The rose-shaped clusters – consisting of twinned, lens-shaped selenite crystals, often with fine sand inclusions – are known as desert roses. They are named this way because they often resemble the shape of a blooming rose.

Brought to The Walk by

The Stone Gallery

Stand 320

https://www.stonegallery.nl/en/about-us/