NASA Reports Possible Ruby-Like Mineral Found by Perseverance Rover on Mars

NASA reports that the Perseverance rover has detected signs of chromium-containing corundum on Mars, the mineral structure associated with rubies, though no collectable rubies have been found.

Detection Method

NASA's SuperCam instrument detected strong, narrow luminescence peaks at two wavelengths of 692.7 and 694.1 nanometers when its laser hit a light-colored rock. The emission came from delayed atomic transitions in chromium atoms present in a corundum mineral structure, verified through time-resolved luminescence.

Scientific Context

The results were published in Geophysical Research Letters by a team led by Ann Ollila earlier this year. Corundum is a metamorphic and pegmatitic mineral that scientists would not expect to find on Mars, a planet that lacks plate tectonics. Large meteor and asteroid impacts can create local metamorphism due to long-term heating from the impact.

Location

The observations took place in a very ancient terrain near the rim of Jezero crater. The team has carried out time-resolved luminescence observations frequently on light-toned rocks to look for more evidence of impact effects.

Why it matters

The finding provides new evidence about Mars' deep past and suggests localized metamorphism may have occurred through impact heating, despite the planet lacking plate tectonics.

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Sources

• science.nasa.gov: Rubies on Mars? - NASA Science

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