4.1 Billion-Year-Old Martian Rock Found in Sahara

A rose-colored meteorite named Teghaza 001, discovered in Mali in 2022, has been identified as one of the oldest Martian rocks ever found on Earth. Scientists say the rock contains evidence that water altered Mars’ crust at least 4.1 billion years ago.

The meteorite, weighing 798.5 grams in total, is believed to have formed from magma originating in Mars’ mantle and later became part of the planet’s outer crust. Its unique chemical composition suggests it comes from a Martian crustal area not previously sampled.

Teghaza 001 was blasted into space by an asteroid or comet impact on Mars, then traveled through space before being captured by Earth’s gravity. The exact timing of the impact and the meteorite’s arrival on Earth remains uncertain.

The rock’s surface features suggest it may have spent some time in a desert before being discovered. Scientists believe the meteorite’s age, confirmed by a new laser-based dating method, places its formation within the first 400 million years of Mars’ existence.

The meteorite’s composition, including zircon crystals, allows for precise dating and indicates it interacted with water in the ancient Martian crust. This may help scientists understand why Mars became dry while Earth remained wet, with implications for planetary habitability.

Teghaza 001 stands out due to its unique mineral composition, including two calcium-rich minerals in proportions not seen in other Martian samples. It also contains oxygen isotopes in relative abundance compared to other known Martian rocks.