Have you spotted the desert rose in Qatar?

Oil is what made Qatar famous, but did you know that Qatar has other national treasures like the desert rose? The desert rose can only be found in the far-flung desert areas of Qatar that are far from civilization and untouched by humans.

It garners so much fascination for locals and expats alike that special trips are arranged by adventure companies in Qatar to search out this unique and elaborate rose. And, believe me when I tell you, this is no ordinary rose!

The desert rose is a unique and sophisticated cluster of crystals that is mainly formed from a type of gypsum called selenite and a mineral called barite. It is an elaborate petal-like treasure that lives where there is a white sabkha salt flat area; it is molded when mineral fibers trap fine sand and then crystallize.

This one-of-a-kind desert rose may be found between layers consisting of dry and wet sand and is created when a number of fragile, yet sharp and precise sand-colored disks join together at different angles to form a flower like crystallized structure.

Since it is found within the sand where there is coolness and moisture, one must remove the sand carefully and slowly if the desert rose is to be seen in all its glory and splendor.

There are some that are of the opinion that the desert rose has the power to defuse negative energy and can heal and cleanse the heart and mind. Whether that is true or not, one thing is for sure, the desert rose is a mind-blowing natural phenomenon that, though also found in other parts of the world like Spain, Mexico, Tunisia, Syria and hot areas of the United States of America, has become part of Qatar’s heritage.

In fact, the National Museum of Qatar has been designed keeping in mind the magnificence of Qatar’s beloved desert rose with its curved and jagged perimeters and peripheries and is sure to be another marvel of Qatar when complete.

Have you spotted the desert rose anywhere?