Desert Rose (Barite)
Image: Unknown author<span style="display: none;">Unknown author</span> (Public domain)
Mineral NameDesert Rose (Barite)
Chemical FormulaBaSO4
Mohs Hardness3
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect on {001}, good on {210} and {010}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity4.3
Colorssandy brown, tan, reddish-brown
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityOklahoma (USA), Sahara Desert, Mexico
Mineral GroupSulfates
Usescollector, drilling mud (barite ore)
Associated Mineralssand, clay
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen is a sandy brown, rosette-like aggregate of platy barite crystals, characteristic of a desert rose formation. A penny is placed next to it for scale, indicating its moderate size.
Geological Context
Desert roses form in arid, sandy environments, typically in shallow evaporitic basins or playa lakes, where barite crystals grow by incorporating sand grains from the surrounding sediment.
