In Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt and some other countries where there are many sandy deserts a very popular souvenir among tourists is an unusual mineral called "desert rose". In their shape, these formations resemble flowers, most often roses, although their shape may be completely unlike flowers.
So what is it and how does it arise …
These minerals are aggregates of gypsum crystals that form in a layer of sand. The "desert rose" occurs only under certain conditions, when precipitation falls in the desert. Water quickly goes into dry sand, carrying gypsum particles into its depths. During evaporation, the water rises to the surface again, forming new twisted gypsum crystals.
The sand also becomes part of the crystal, and its sizes can be very different. Desert Rose is sold both in the form of a regular crystal and in the form of simple key rings, souvenirs, pendants and other jewelry.
The nomadic tribes of the Sahara have been familiar with these bizarre stones since ancient times. After a difficult crossing, reaching the oasis, people and camels quenched their thirst and rested. Camel's urine washed away the sand and a "desert rose" appeared on the surface. In the old days, it was believed that these original "flowers" are formed precisely from camel urine.
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The diameter of the petals ranges from 2 - 3 millimeters to several decimeters. The color of crystals depends entirely on the color of the sand in which they were formed. White "desert roses" are found in the Tunisian Sahara, black - in the deserts of Argentina.
Such spectacular intergrowths can be found in many places of our planet with a desert climate and sandy soils enriched with gypsum. Of course, due to the high sand content, such gypsum is not used in construction. But the "desert rose" is highly valued by collectors and jewelry lovers. In recent years, the demand for these beautiful stones has grown so much that the government of Algeria has banned their export.
In some countries, it is customary to give the "desert rose" on Valentine's Day as a symbol of unfading love.