Research
Rose-colored rock found in the Sahara holds a rare piece of ancient Mars
Earth.com · By Rodielon Putol ·
The Brief
- A rose-colored stone found in the Sahara Desert in 2022 is a Martian meteorite.
- The rock is a piece of Mars's early crust, which formed at least 4.1 billion years ago.
- Most Martian meteorites that reach Earth are young, which makes this one an exception.
Why it matters
Samples of Mars's ancient crust are rare among meteorites, so this one gives planetary scientists a direct look at the planet's early geology.
Who’s affected
- planetary scientists
- meteorite researchers
Although most of the surface of Mars is ancient rock, most Martian meteorites that land on Earth are young. Found in the Sahara Desert in 2022, a rose-colored stone is an exception. It’s a piece of the planet’s early crust that formed at least 4.1 billion years ago. Scientists…