NASA's Curiosity Rover Finds Sulfur Crystals On The Surface Of Mars

NASA's Curiosity rover has discovered pure sulfur crystals on Mars. This find occurred when the 1-ton rover inadvertently cracked open a rock, unveiling yellowish-green sulfur crystals never before seen on the red planet.

Since October last year, Curiosity has been exploring a Martian region rich in sulfates, a type of sulfur-based salt formed by water evaporation.

The discovery of pure sulfur is one of several made by Curiosity since it began navigating the Gediz Vallis channel, a groove descending from the 5 km tall Mount Sharp.

According to NASA, Curiosity's mission is to study the red planet's terrain for nutrients that could sustain microbes, with each layer of the mountain offering a glimpse into Mars' history.

This discovery recalls a major find by NASA’s Spirit rover, which operated from 2004 to 2011 and found nearly pure silica, indicating the possible presence of hot springs or steam vents on Mars.