Scientists think they found a brand new mineral on Mars

Scientists have a Good idea of the surface of Mars It looks like. But exactly What This surface is composed is more a mystery.

Now scientists believe that they have discovered an entirely new mineral on Mars from an unusual layer of iron sulfate with a distinct spectral signature. In a Nature communications Document published on August 5, the astrobiologists led by Janice Bishop at the SETI Institute describe the discovery of an unusual ferric hydroxysulfate compound around Valles Marineris, a vast gulf which is along the Mars Ecuador. This is an area that researchers suspect once with water, and the discovery of the new mineral could offer attractive clues to the way and natural forces that have sculpted the surface of the planet – and if life prosperous on Mars.

Sulfur, an element common to Mars and Earth, often combines with other elements to form minerals in the form of sulfates. These minerals dissolve easily in water, but unlike the earth, Mars has a constantly dry dry time, which means that sulfates have been on the surface since the planet lost its water. The study of these minerals would therefore reveal important information on the first history of March.

The researchers investigated statement.

In an area, they found deposits in layers of polyhydrate sulfates, with monohydrate and ferric hydroxysulfates below.

They tried to recreate them in the laboratory, noting that the ferric hydroxysulfate seen on Mars could only form in the presence of oxygen and that the reaction necessary to produce the compound produces water. In addition, this could only have occurred at high temperatures, the researchers said, suggesting the sulfates trained from volcanic activity. In addition, its structure and thermal properties suggest that it is a completely new mineral.

“The material formed in these laboratory experiences is probably a new mineral because of its unique crystalline structure and its thermal stability,” said Bishop. “However, scientists must also find on earth to officially recognize it as a new mineral.”