Tag

Corundum

All articles tagged with #corundum

science1 month ago•55 min saved

Martian Gem Found: Perseverance Detects Corundum in Jezero Rocks

NASA's Perseverance rover used time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy to identify corundum, a gemstone mineral that forms rubies and sapphires, in three plagioclase-rich float rocks at Jezero Crater—marking the first detection of corundum on Mars and suggesting formation under heat and fluids possibly tied to the crater's ancient impact; findings published in Geophysical Research Letters highlight new clues about Mars' geological history and the potential for sample-return studies.

via Yahoo|

#corundum #gemstone #jezero-crater

science1 month ago•7 min saved

First Martian Corundum Detected: Tiny Gem Grains in Jezero Crater Rocks

NASA's Perseverance rover identified chromium-bearing corundum grains (the mineral behind rubies and sapphires) in three plagioclase-rich float rocks at Jezero Crater using time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy, marking the first detection of corundum on Mars. The grains imply aluminum-rich, silicon-poor chemistry likely formed during ancient impacts or hydrothermal activity; spectral matches to Earth corundum suggest a surprising Martian geology, and returning a sample could confirm exactly how this mineral formed.

via ScienceAlert|

#corundum #jezero-crater #mars

science5 months ago•4 min saved

Mars Pebbles Reveal First Corundum Grains, Hinting at Impact-Driven Gem Formation

NASA’s Perseverance rover detected microscopic grains of corundum (the mineral behind rubies and sapphires) in rocks along the Jezero crater rim using the SuperCam laser system, marking the first confirmed corundum on Mars. The grains, under 0.2 mm, were found in Hampden River and similarly detected in Coffee Cove and Smiths Harbour, suggesting corundum is present in multiple spots. Mars’s lack of plate tectonics makes Earth-like formation unlikely, so scientists propose meteorite impacts as a plausible source of the high-temperature/pressure conditions that yield corundum. Further sampling is needed to confirm origin and formation details; findings were presented at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference.

via The Daily Galaxy|

#corundum #jezero-crater #mars

space-and-spaceflight5 months ago•15 min saved

Mars Gems: Tiny Ruby-Like Crystals Spotted by Perseverance

NASA’s Perseverance rover found minuscule, 0.2 mm grains of chromium-bearing corundum inside pebbles near the rim of Jezero Crater on Mars. Using the SuperCam laser, scientists observed luminescent signatures indicating ruby- or sapphire-like material, though exact composition remains uncertain. The crystals are thought to have been delivered by meteorite impacts rather than formed in situ, and their discovery suggests Mars could host other precious minerals. Findings were presented at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in Texas.

via Gizmodo|

#corundum #mars #perseverance

space5 months ago•97 min saved

Mars rocks yield tiny ruby-like crystals, sparking sapphire speculation

NASA’s Perseverance rover analyzed float rocks at Jezero Crater and detected signatures of corundum with chromium consistent with rubies. The crystals are extremely small (under 0.2 mm) and may be other corundum varieties such as sapphires, so a definitive identification can’t yet be made. Their origin is unclear, likely linked to high-temperature/high-pressure conditions from impacts or hydrothermal processes, and the rocks are out of their original context, requiring more samples for confirmation. Researchers note Mars may host other gemstone-bearing minerals in other areas as well.

via Live Science|

#corundum #mars #perseverance