Desert rose is the colloquial name given to rose-like formations of gypsum or baryte crystal clusters which contain abundant grains of sand. The petals are crystals flattened on the crystallographic axis, fanning open in radiating flattened crystal clusters.The rosette crystal habit tends to occur when the crystals form under arid sandy conditions, such as a shallow salt basin becoming evaporated. The crystals form a circular series of flat plates that give the rock a similar shape to a rose blossom.Gypsum roses tend to have sharper edges better defined than baryt roses. Celestine and other minerals bladed with evaporate may also form clusters of rosettes.It is believed by some that each piece of desert rose contains a spirit guardian and each one is different. And because of this, this stone has been used as a protective talisman while giving you a boost of self-confidence and self-worth. It can also be helpful for those struggling with grief or loss.Raw stones are in their natural form, no polishing, no altering. They are more fragile and can break more easily than other formations, some prefer the look of a raw stone as that is how it would have been found in the earth.