DESERT ROSE

Desert Rose, which are often a variety of the mineral gypsum, are found in almost every desert region of the world. Gypsum is a hydrous calcium sulphate, which when optically clear and white in color, is also called selenite. It is typically formed by combinations of precipitation and prolonged periods of evaporation over lengthy periods of time. Although found in many arid desert regions, a few primary locations for gypsum collection are in Morocco and Mexico, as well as the U.S. states of Utah and Wyoming.

DESERT ROSE FORMATION

Desert Rose are intricate rose-like crystal cluster formations of gypsum or baryte, which often include abundant silica rich sand grains. The rose-like "petals" are gypsum crystals that have been flattened on the c axis, fanning open in radiating clusters. The rosette crystal habit occurs when the crystals form in arid sandy conditions, such as in the evaporation period of a shallow salt basin. Gypsum rosettes typically have better, well-defined, sharper edges than baryte rosettes. Similar in formation process, celestite and other bladed evaporite minerals may also form intricate rosette clusters.

GYPSUM

Gypsum is a very soft sulfate mineral that is composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate, with the chemical formula CaSO4·2H2O. It is widely mined and used as a fertilizer, as well as being used as the primary constituent in many forms of plaster, drywall, and chalk. Gypsum can also crystallize as translucent crystals of selenite, which when fiber-optically pure and polished on both ends, can project an image to the top of the crystal face while applied to a flat surface. Selenite also forms as some of the largest crystals to have ever been found in nature; Within the remote and dangerous caves of the Naica Mine of Chihuahua, Mexico, the selenite crystals found there have thrived in the cave's extremely rare and stable natural environment. Temperatures stayed at 136 °F on average, and the cave was filled with mineral-rich water solutions that drove the incredibly large crystal growth. The largest of those crystals weighs 121,000 lbs, and is nearly 40ft tall, and is roughly 500,000 years old. Gypsum forms as an evaporite mineral and as a hydration product of anhydrite, another calcium sulfate mineral. The Mohs scale of hardness defines gypsum as hardness value of 2, making it one of the softest minerals on Earth.

GYPSUM HISTORY AND USES

Historically, fine-grained white or light-colored forms of gypsum, sometimes called alabaster, have been used for various forms of artistic sculpture within numerous cultures; including uses throughout Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Ancient Rome, the Byzantine Empire, and the Nottingham alabasters of Medieval England. The word gypsum is derived from the Greek word ‘gypsos’, for "plaster". Because the quarries of the Montmartre district of Paris have long produced flash-fired gypsum, called calcined gypsum, it has been regularly used for various industrial purposes, and with widespread use, this particular variety of dehydrated gypsum became known as the “plaster of Paris”. It was discovered that upon adding water, and waiting about a half hour or so’s time, plaster of Paris converts back to regular gypsum, or dihydrate, again. This rapid reformation causes the material to harden or "set" in many ways that are useful for casting and construction.

Additionally, Gypsum was also known in Old English as "spear stone", referring to its spear-like crystalline terminations. Thus, the word spar, for spear, often refers to many mineral or crystal habits that forms in spear-like terminations. During the mid-18th century, German agriculturalist and clergyman Johann Friderich Mayer first investigated and then publicized gypsum's use as a fertilizer. It was found that gypsum may act as a source of sulfur for plant growth, and in the early 19th century, it was regarded as a near miraculous fertilizer enhancement. American farmers were so eager to acquire this new fertilizer product that gang led smuggling trades with Nova Scotia evolved, resulting in the aptly named "Plaster War" of 1820. Interestingly, recent discoveries of gypsum formations on the planet Mars are giving way to incredible insights into the red planet’s aqueous past. Orbital pictures from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) have indicated the existence of gypsum dunes that are found within the northern polar region of Mars. These dunes were later confirmed at ground level by the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Opportunity, in the year 2004.

Other incredible uses of gypsum include: A tofu (soy bean curd) coagulant, making it a significant source of dietary calcium; Adding hardness to water that is used for brewing; Uses in baking as a dough conditioner, which reduces stickiness; The primary component of mineral yeast food. Additionally, it also used as a plaster for surgical splints, and impression plasters in dentistry. Gypsum is also used to remove pollutants such as lead or arsenic from contaminated water.

DESERT ROSE METAPHYSICS

Metaphysically, Desert Rose is a crystal of the Third Eye and Crown Chakra’s. It is said that Desert Rose can calm a racing mind, allowing for progressive thoughts and intuitive decision making to take action. Additionally, Desert Rose is said to facilitate a sense of peace and clarity when in stressful situations. Physically, Desert Rose is said to facilitate healthy bone structure and connective tissue regeneration, as well as aid the spine with proper alignment and flexibility. It is also said to aid new mothers with lactation deficiencies.