Mineral Species: Selenite var. Sand Rose

Chemical Formula: CaSO4.2H2O

Chemical Name: Hydrous Calcium Sulfate

Mineral Class: Sulfate

Mineral Notes: Selenite is the commonest Sulfate mineral. A Desert Rose is not a distinct mineral, but rather a mineral formation. It forms when lamellar (flattened) plates of Selenite become impregnated with sand during their crystallisation and become arranged around a common centre to form a rosette. Some desert roses are remarkably flower-like, except the texture of the 'petals' is coarse and rough rather than smooth.

Description: This is one of the most perfectly formed Desert Roses we have seen for a long time. The mineral is very symmetrical and remarkably flower-like, hence the name. Both sides of the specimen show the petal-like formation neither showing any damage nor a point of attachment to any matrix. . In effect this is a "floater" specimen. The uniform shape and colour indicate that it formed in a very stable environment. A great little "novelty" specimen. 

Location: Coombah, NSW, Australia.