These roses are formed when barium-rich groundwater crystallizes around grains of quartz sand. Some geologists say this occurred eons ago as oceans covered the western half of Oklahoma and barite precipitated out of the seawater. As these oceans receeded, the Garber sandstone, containing rose rocks, was formed. Others believe rose rocks were formed more recently, as deep basinal groundwater containing barium and reduced sulfur species (sulfide) migrated upward along fractures and porous layers into the Garber Sandstone. Upon reaching an aerated region, the sulfur in the groundwater was then oxidized from sulfide to sulfate, leading to the precipitation of barite (which is extremely insoluble in natural waters).
References:
London, D., 2009, The Barite Roses of Oklahoma: Oklahoma Geological Survey Information Series 13, 16 p.
Dianna Everett, "Rose Rock," The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture.
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Logging Requirements:
The three sets of coordinates provided (posted coords, and two alternate waypoints) are three places at Lake Stanley Draper that I have personally found rose rocks. You are free to visit any of these spots to answer the following questions. Happy hunting!
1) What is the name of the unique outcropping that is the source of Oklahoma rose rocks?
2) Observing the rocks at the posted coordinates/waypoint, would you describe rose rocks, as porous or non-pourous?
3) Lake levels will determine how big of a search area you have for rose rocks on your visit, but based on your observations, what is the predominant color of rose rocks found here?
4) Which geological phenomenon would be more likely to contribute to you discovering a rose rock: erosion or earthquake?
5) Post a picture of yourself or a personal item at the posted coordinates/waypoint. This picture must confirm that you visited ground zero, so make sure the photo is unique to you and your visit.