Desert Rose

This is one of the "treasures" in my treasure tray.

Desert rose is the colloquial name given to rose-like formations of crystal clusters of gypsum or baryte which include abundant sand grains. The 'petals' are crystals flattened on the c crystallographic axis, fanning open in radiating flattened crystal clusters. (thanks Wikipaedia). This one was picked up in the Kalahari in South Africa.

[katy]

Fascinating bit of information to accompany this fabulous photo. All the textures of the crystals make it a great subject for black and white photography.

[Peter H]

Very interesting.

[Bep]

Beautiful! My desert rose comes from Tunisia.

[Sue Cooper]

I love this. I have a big lump it in my downstairs cloakroom.

[Lynda McG]

Nice shot

[Kathy]

I'm not familiar with this formation, but it's nice.

[carol white]

I have one which I brought back from Tunisia

[Pat Knowles]

I can see where the name comes from...very like a rose.

[Joan Robillard]

Fab

[KV]

Such cool detail. Gorgeous.

[Yolanda]

Great catch

[Babs]

Beautiful, we have lots of rock collections and the desert rose truly is a treasure.

[Peter Dulis]

Almost looked like a shrivelled brain :)

[Poppo Livy]

Very interesting judith

[Shutterbug]

Beautiful structure. Thanks for the info.

[Bri]

Interesting shot

[Paula-Christine]

Hi from Pretoria :) Beautiful picture.