Desert rose is an aggregate of gypsum crystals that forms in particular climatic conditions. It is so called because the gypsum crystals arrange themselves to form the petals of a rose and because its formation is strictly linked to arid and hot environments. For this mineral to form, at least two fundamental conditions are needed: the presence of a gypsum evaporite deposit and an arid climate. In the evaporite deposit, located underground at a certain depth, water, already present in the subsoil or rainwater, reaches it and dissolves (dissolves) the gypsum. The water, enriched with the calcium sulphide present in the subsoil, tends to rise towards the surface due to the principle of capillarity. Once it reaches the surface, due to the high temperatures, the water begins to evaporate, causing the gypsum to crystallize. Multiple cycles of rising water, with subsequent evaporation, allow the gypsum crystals to grow up to decimetric dimensions.
Dimensions
Height (cm): 11.5
Depth (cm): 10.3
Width (cm): 11.8
Weight (g): 1040
Property
Chemical Formula: CaSO4(H2O)2
Mohs scale: 2
Relative Density: 2.3-2.4
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Metaphysical Corner
In the metaphysical world, it is believed that the desert rose helps to leave behind a stagnant life and also to acquire and improve flexible thinking.
