About the collection

”Desert Rose”

Otherwise known as “Rock Rose” or “Sahara Rose” –A rosette of crystal clusters , mostly gypsum mineral , or a baryte. This astonishing mineral forms amid sandy ,arid conditions, with crystals aligning around an axis , the “petals’’ are an array of flat plates arrange in  singe “ Rose” or can become a cluster of rosettes. The sand is important in the formation, as is the minerals and iron levels., oxidation degree  gives  it a range rusty ,earthy shade; A gypsum crystal is sharper in its form, white baryte roses are a bit lighter in color. There is notable variation ,for example ranging  Tunisian White Desert Rose and Argentinean Black Desert Rose.

The ‘’Rose” formations can range from a fem centimeters to close to 10 wide.

The “Desert Rose” displayed at the museum  is of tan-yellowy rustic sample, with characteristic opaque glossiness. With a Mohs score of 1.5-2, 20 cm. in circumference 20cm  and 24 cm. high and around 2-3 cm. and with petals’ tahts are around 2-

3 cm thick, it is a spectacular show natural beauty .

 The “Desert Rose “ has become a symbol of endless love and is very popular with young lovers and married couples as a show of  devotion.

3.The Geological department of the museum has an fascinating sample of chalcedony beech bark , found  at the Acharistskali river source, it is an archaic piece  of more that 15 million of age .The sample is around 50 cm and is a captivating remain of opalised wood.

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