Rose Rock
Rose rocks are aggregates of barite (barium sulfate) crystals and sand whose iron content gives them a reddish hue. The barite crystals form a circular array of flat plates, giving the rock a shape similar to a rose blossom. Rose rocks appear either as a single rose-like bloom or as clusters of blooms, with most sizes ranging from pea sized to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. The rose rock was selected as the official state rock of Oklahoma in 1968.
Famous quotes containing the words rose and/or rock:
“There has fallen a splendid tear
From the passion-flower at the gate.
She is coming, my dove, my dear;
She is coming, my life, my fate;
The red rose cries, ‘She is near, she is near;’
And the white rose weeps, ‘She is late;’
The larkspur listens, ‘I hear, I hear;’
And the lily whispers, ‘I wait.’”
—Alfred Tennyson (1809–1892)
“When the rock was hid by the surges’ swell,
The mariners heard the warning bell,
And then they knew the perilous rock,
And bless’d the Abbot of Aberbrothok.”
—Robert Southey (1774–1843)