Desert Rose

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Desert Rose is a name given to specimens of Gypsum, Baryte, Celestine and other minerals that form this particular shape.

Desert Roses usually form in arid conditions (such as deserts, hence the name) when the mineral precipitates from the groundwater, with sandy inclusions giving the distinctive texture.


Desert Rose is a name given to specimens of Gypsum, Barite, Celestine

This Gypsum specimen was found at the Inanamas Oasis in Algeria.

There are few minerals, other than diamonds, that have been name-checked in pop songs. The Desert Rose is one such mineral. In 1987 U2 released the album “The Joshua Tree”. One song, “In God’s Country”, actually has “Desert Rose” in the opening lines!

Desert Rose is also a name given to both a real and a mythological type of plant. The mythological variety was supposed to act as a love potion if you fed the petals to the object of your desire!