MINERAL OF THE MONTH
March 2009: Selenite Desert Rose
Several different minerals form into rosette shapes including chalcedony, aragonite, hematite, barite, and selenite (a form of gypsum). This month’s mineral is the selenite “Desert Rose.” It is most similar to barite roses, but its edges are sharper and the crystalline structure is less hard. Thus, Desert Roses are brittle and can break quite easily.
These natural sculptures form in arid sandy environments through the evaporation of shallow salt water basins. The “petals” of selenite desert roses are usually well defined and are crystals flattened along the cleavage planes. This mineral is also known as: sand rose, rose rock, gypsum rose, and gypsum rosette.
It is believed that selenite rose can enhance clarity and improve awareness. It is used by some in meditation to help them connect to the higher self. Others use selenite rose to improve their positive outlook on life.
Selenite rose is found in arid desert areas throughout the world including California, Libya, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Most of the commercially available selenite rose, including this specimen, comes from Mexico.
Mineral of the Month Archives
May 2007 Rainbow Fluorite
June 2007 Lake Superior Michipicoten Agate
July 2007 Labadorite
August 2007 Rain Flower Agate
Fall 2007 Malachite
December 2007 Nepheline Syenite
January 2008 Native Copper
February 2008 Amazonite
March 2008 Lake Superior Agate
April 2008 Shadow Agate
May 2008 Apohpylite
June 2008 Ocean Jasper
Summer 2008 Marra Mamba Tiger's Eye
September 2008 Mohawkite
October 2008 Mexican opal
November 2008 Prehnite
December 2008 Picture Jasper
January 2009 Sea Shell Jasper
February 2009 Polychrome Jasper
March 2009 Selenite Desert Rose
Spring 2009 Coyamito Agate
July 2009 Obsidian Needles
August 2009 Goethite
September 2009 Banded Iron Formation
Fall 2009 Fairburn Agate
February 2010 Kentucky Agate
March 2010 Fossilized Dinosaur Bone
April/May 2010 Kentucky Agate
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