The synthesis of a novel nanostructure of LiCoO2, and its performance as a cathode for a high-rate lithium ion battery, is described. The LiCoO2 nanostructure resembles the morphology of a known natural mineral: "desert rose" gypsum (inset of the figure). A range of measurement techniques are used to investigate the growth mechanism of this structure and the origin of its high rate charge/discharge properties.