Desert Rose (Gypsum), from Sahara Desert, North Africa (REF:DR19)

Desert Rose is the name given to rose-like formations of crystal clusters of gypsum or baryte which include abundant sand grains.

Formed as the name suggests, in arid sandy conditions The crystals form a circular array of flat plates, giving the rock a shape similar to a rose blossom. 

Gypsum roses usually have better defined, sharper edges than baryte roses. Celestine and other bladed evaporite minerals may also form rosette clusters.