Sometimes nature is completely not averse to repeating its most beautiful creations, but in a different form and from other materials.
The nomadic tribes of the Sahara Desert have been familiar with these bizarre formations since ancient times. Desert rose is the poetic name for one of the morphological varieties of gypsum. In fact, a desert rose is a mineral aggregate - an accumulation or accretion of individual crystals or grains of the same or different minerals, which are separated from each other by a separation surface.
In order to create such units, nature needs certain conditions. How are they formed? When precipitation falls over the desert, water is quickly absorbed into the sand. If gypsum is present in the sand, the water washes away its components and carries them deep into the soil. The resulting solution quickly heats up and evaporates under the rays of the desert sun. After the water has completely evaporated from the solution, gypsum crystals form in it. Naturally, due to the fact that crystallization of a mineral aggregate occurs in sand, its particles are included in gypsum, giving it an unusual appearance.
The diameter of the petals of desert roses can vary from 2–3 millimeters to several decimeters. However, in fairness, it should be said that smaller specimens are much more common. The color of these roses depends on the color of the sand in which they were formed.
In a number of countries, a desert rose is presented to their beloved on Valentine's Day as a symbol of unfading love.
