Minerals - Revision history

RichardWSmith: /* Detailed Descriptions of Particular Minerals: */ Description of why Siderite is important.

2025-07-26T16:23:03Z

Detailed Descriptions of Particular Minerals:: Description of why Siderite is important.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:23, 26 July 2025
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	===Salt===		===Salt===
	[[Calcium carbonate]], [[magnesium]], [[sodium]], [[potassium]], [[chloride]] and [[perchlorate]] have been found by the [[Phoenix]] lander (http://phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu/09_09_pr.php). Chloride, perhaps ''table salt'', have also been found by [[Mars Odyssey]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7302591.stm BBC: Mars is 'covered in table salt']</ref>		[[Calcium carbonate]], [[magnesium]], [[sodium]], [[potassium]], [[chloride]] and [[perchlorate]] have been found by the [[Phoenix]] lander (http://phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu/09_09_pr.php). Chloride, perhaps ''table salt'', have also been found by [[Mars Odyssey]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7302591.stm BBC: Mars is 'covered in table salt']</ref>

			===Siderite===
			Siderite (FeCO<sub>3</sub>) is a carbonate formed with iron. Carbonates are strangely rare on Mars, and discovering buried deposits of this mineral may help explain where some of Mars' ancient thick CO<sub>2</sub> atmosphere has gone to.

	==References==		==References==

RichardWSmith: /* Overview: */ Fixed a markup error.

2025-07-26T16:20:15Z

Overview:: Fixed a markup error.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:20, 26 July 2025
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	Intermediate and felsic rocks are present on Mars, but seem to be fairly rare. These include quartz rich dacites and granitoids which have been found by spacecraft in Syrtis Major and near the crater Antoniadi.		Intermediate and felsic rocks are present on Mars, but seem to be fairly rare. These include quartz rich dacites and granitoids which have been found by spacecraft in Syrtis Major and near the crater Antoniadi.

	Curiosity found hydrated minerals, including calcium sulphate (gypsum), and siderite (FeCO<sub>3</sub>).<ref>https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-may-have-solved-mars-missing-carbonate-mystery/</~~sub~~>		Curiosity found hydrated minerals, including calcium sulphate (gypsum), and siderite (FeCO<sub>3</sub>).<ref>https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-may-have-solved-mars-missing-carbonate-mystery/</ref>

	Secondary minerals formed by water based weathering include: hematite, phyllosilicates (clay minerals), various carbonates (fairly rare), goethite, jaorsite, iron sulphite minerals, and opaline silica. (Thus, we may find opals on Mars.) Some of these minerals require acidic water, other need neutral or basic solutions. It is believed that carbonate formations are much more widespread, but buried.		Secondary minerals formed by water based weathering include: hematite, phyllosilicates (clay minerals), various carbonates (fairly rare), goethite, jaorsite, iron sulphite minerals, and opaline silica. (Thus, we may find opals on Mars.) Some of these minerals require acidic water, other need neutral or basic solutions. It is believed that carbonate formations are much more widespread, but buried.

RichardWSmith: /* Overview: */ Added siderite

2025-07-26T16:19:34Z

Overview:: Added siderite

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:19, 26 July 2025
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	Intermediate and felsic rocks are present on Mars, but seem to be fairly rare. These include quartz rich dacites and granitoids which have been found by spacecraft in Syrtis Major and near the crater Antoniadi.		Intermediate and felsic rocks are present on Mars, but seem to be fairly rare. These include quartz rich dacites and granitoids which have been found by spacecraft in Syrtis Major and near the crater Antoniadi.

	Curiosity found hydrated minerals, including calcium sulphate (gypsum).		Curiosity found hydrated minerals, including calcium sulphate (gypsum), and siderite (FeCO<sub>3</sub>).<ref>https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-may-have-solved-mars-missing-carbonate-mystery/</sub>

	Secondary minerals formed by water based weathering include: hematite, phyllosilicates (clay minerals), various carbonates (fairly rare), goethite, jaorsite, iron sulphite minerals, and opaline silica. (Thus, we may find opals on Mars.) Some of these minerals require acidic water, other need neutral or basic solutions. It is believed that carbonate formations are much more widespread, but buried.		Secondary minerals formed by water based weathering include: hematite, phyllosilicates (clay minerals), various carbonates (fairly rare), goethite, jaorsite, iron sulphite minerals, and opaline silica. (Thus, we may find opals on Mars.) Some of these minerals require acidic water, other need neutral or basic solutions. It is believed that carbonate formations are much more widespread, but buried.

Michel Lamontagne: /* Hematite */

2024-05-02T17:47:40Z

Hematite

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:47, 2 May 2024
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	Chemical formula: α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>		Chemical formula: α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>

	This mineral has been found at the landing zone of Opportunity. It is also ~~suspected to be~~ very common over the entire ~~martian~~ surface. Hematite is an [[iron ore]], a source of [[Iron]] on Earth and is a major part of the Martian dust which is found planet wide.		This mineral has been found at the landing zone of Opportunity. It is also very common over the entire Martian surface and is the source of the red color of Mars. Hematite is an [[iron ore]], a source of [[Iron]] on Earth and is a major part of the Martian dust which is found planet wide.

	===Olivine===		===Olivine===

RichardWSmith: /* Hematite */

2021-03-03T11:32:59Z

Hematite

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:32, 3 March 2021
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	This mineral has been identified near the landing zones of the [[rover\|rovers]] [[Spirit]] and [[Opportunity]], for example at "[[Columbia Hills]]". This mineral was probably created from [[iron]] under the influence of liquid [[water]].		This mineral has been identified near the landing zones of the [[rover\|rovers]] [[Spirit]] and [[Opportunity]], for example at "[[Columbia Hills]]". This mineral was probably created from [[iron]] under the influence of liquid [[water]].

	==Hematite==		===Hematite===
	Chemical formula: α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>		Chemical formula: α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>

	This mineral has been found at the landing zone of Opportunity. It is also suspected to be very common over the entire martian surface. Hematite is an [[iron ore]], a source of [[Iron]] on Earth and ~~should be on Mars as well~~.		This mineral has been found at the landing zone of Opportunity. It is also suspected to be very common over the entire martian surface. Hematite is an [[iron ore]], a source of [[Iron]] on Earth and is a major part of the Martian dust which is found planet wide.

	===Olivine===		===Olivine===
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	===Salt===		===Salt===
	[[Calcium carbonate]], [[magnesium]], [[sodium]], [[potassium]], [[chloride]] and [[perchlorate]] have been found by the [[Phoenix]] lander (http://phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu/09_09_pr.php). Chloride, perhaps ''table salt'', have also been found by [[Mars Odyssey]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7302591.stm BBC: Mars is 'covered in table salt']</ref>		[[Calcium carbonate]], [[magnesium]], [[sodium]], [[potassium]], [[chloride]] and [[perchlorate]] have been found by the [[Phoenix]] lander (http://phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu/09_09_pr.php). Chloride, perhaps ''table salt'', have also been found by [[Mars Odyssey]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7302591.stm BBC: Mars is 'covered in table salt']</ref>


	==References==		==References==

RichardWSmith: Improved grammar and added some references.

2021-03-03T11:31:21Z

Improved grammar and added some references.

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:31, 3 March 2021
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	No minerals that are formed by life have been found on Mars, i.e. no amber, limestone, coral, petrochemicals, coal, marble, stromatolites, etc.		No minerals that are formed by life have been found on Mars, i.e. no amber, limestone, coral, petrochemicals, coal, marble, stromatolites, etc.

	==Goethite==		==Detailed Descriptions of Particular Minerals:==
			===Goethite===
	Chemical formula: α-FeO(OH)		Chemical formula: α-FeO(OH)

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	This mineral has been found at the landing zone of Opportunity. It is also suspected to be very common over the entire martian surface. Hematite is an [[iron ore]], a source of [[Iron]] on Earth and should be on Mars as well.		This mineral has been found at the landing zone of Opportunity. It is also suspected to be very common over the entire martian surface. Hematite is an [[iron ore]], a source of [[Iron]] on Earth and should be on Mars as well.

	==Olivine==		===Olivine===
	Chemical formula: (Mg,Fe)<sub>2</sub>SiO<sub>4</sub>		Chemical formula: (Mg,Fe)<sub>2</sub>SiO<sub>4</sub>

	This mineral has been found in [[Gusev Crater]].		This mineral has been found in [[Gusev Crater]].

	==Salt==		===Salt===
	[[Calcium carbonate]], [[magnesium]], [[sodium]], [[potassium]], [[chloride]] and [[perchlorate]] have been found by the [[Phoenix]] lander (http://phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu/09_09_pr.php). Chloride, perhaps ''table salt'', have also been found by [[Mars Odyssey]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7302591.stm BBC: Mars is 'covered in table salt']</ref>		[[Calcium carbonate]], [[magnesium]], [[sodium]], [[potassium]], [[chloride]] and [[perchlorate]] have been found by the [[Phoenix]] lander (http://phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu/09_09_pr.php). Chloride, perhaps ''table salt'', have also been found by [[Mars Odyssey]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7302591.stm BBC: Mars is 'covered in table salt']</ref>


	==References==		==References==
			// Wikipedia article on Mars Geology:

			https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composition_of_Mars

			"The Geology of Mars: Evidence from Earth-Based Analogs", edited by Mary Chapman, ISBN 0-521-83292-6



	<references />		<references />
	[[category:Mineralogy]]		[[category:Mineralogy]]

RichardWSmith at 11:28, 3 March 2021

2021-03-03T11:28:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:28, 3 March 2021
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	'''Minerals''' are [[natural resources]] needed as raw material for setup and extension of [[settlement\|settlements]] on [[Mars]]. From recent unmanned missions some valuable minerals have been found in the [[regolith]], most of them by the [[Mössbauer spectrometer]] [[MIMOS II]]. The atmospheric [[dust]] contains minerals, which allows [[atmospheric mining]]. The crust is enriched in iron. It is rich in chlorine, sulphur, potassium and phosphorus (as well as other volatile elements).		'''Minerals''' are [[natural resources]] needed as raw material for setup and extension of [[settlement\|settlements]] on [[Mars]]. From recent unmanned missions some valuable minerals have been found in the [[regolith]], most of them by the [[Mössbauer spectrometer]] [[MIMOS II]]. The atmospheric [[dust]] contains minerals, which allows [[atmospheric mining]]. The crust is enriched in iron. It is rich in chlorine, sulphur, potassium and phosphorus (as well as other volatile elements).

	The most common elements making up Mars' crust are: silicon, oxygen, iron, magnesium, aluminum, calcium, & potassium. The elements sulphur, phosphorus, sodium, boron, chlorine are needed for life and have been found on the planet.		The most common elements making up Mars' crust are: silicon, oxygen, iron, magnesium, aluminum, calcium, & potassium. The elements sulphur, phosphorus, sodium, boron, chlorine, and bromine are needed for life and have been found on the planet.

	== Overview: ==		==Overview:==
	Mars is fundamentally a igneous planet, made up of magma and minerals caused by the erosion of lava. These include plagioclase feldspar, pyroxenes and olivine (all basalt based minerals). Magnetite has been found. Opportunity found what is likely titanomagnetite (titanium rich magnetite)~~. (bromine found~~.		Mars is fundamentally a igneous planet, made up of magma and minerals caused by the erosion of lava. These include plagioclase feldspar, pyroxenes and olivine (all basalt based minerals). Magnetite has been found. Opportunity found what is likely titanomagnetite (titanium rich magnetite).

	In the presence of water, olivine gradually weathers into clays, which are common on Mars, especially in the northern low lands.		In the presence of water, olivine gradually weathers into clays, which are common on Mars, especially in the northern low lands.
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	Curiosity found hydrated minerals, including calcium sulphate (gypsum).		Curiosity found hydrated minerals, including calcium sulphate (gypsum).

	Secondary minerals formed by water based weathering include: hematite, phyllosilicates (clay minerals), various carbonates (fairly rare), goethite, jaorsite, iron sulphite minerals, and opaline silica. (Thus, we may ~~fine~~ opals on Mars.) Some of these minerals require acidic water, other need neutral or basic solutions.		Secondary minerals formed by water based weathering include: hematite, phyllosilicates (clay minerals), various carbonates (fairly rare), goethite, jaorsite, iron sulphite minerals, and opaline silica. (Thus, we may find opals on Mars.) Some of these minerals require acidic water, other need neutral or basic solutions. It is believed that carbonate formations are much more widespread, but buried.

	It is believed that carbonate formations are much more widespread, but buried.

	Opportunity found a variety of sulphated minerals, thought to include: kieserite, sulphate anhydate, bassanite, hexahydrite, epsomite, jarosite, and gypsum. Salts including halite, bischofite, antarticite, bloedite, vanhoffite and glauberite are believed to be found. Jarosite is a mineral which can only form in water, which proved that Mars had liquid water (perhaps under a layer of surface ice) for long periods of time.		Opportunity found a variety of sulphated minerals, thought to include: kieserite, sulphate anhydate, bassanite, hexahydrite, epsomite, jarosite, and gypsum. Salts including halite, bischofite, antarticite, bloedite, vanhoffite and glauberite are believed to be found. Jarosite is a mineral which can only form in water, which proved that Mars had liquid water (perhaps under a layer of surface ice) for long periods of time.

RichardWSmith: Added a summary of minerals found on Mars.

2021-03-03T11:24:28Z

Added a summary of minerals found on Mars.

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:24, 3 March 2021
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	== Overview: ==		== Overview: ==
			Mars is fundamentally a igneous planet, made up of magma and minerals caused by the erosion of lava. These include plagioclase feldspar, pyroxenes and olivine (all basalt based minerals). Magnetite has been found. Opportunity found what is likely titanomagnetite (titanium rich magnetite). (bromine found.

			In the presence of water, olivine gradually weathers into clays, which are common on Mars, especially in the northern low lands.

			In the southern highlands, low calcium (ortho-) pyroxenes are present. These have a higher melting temperature, which suggests that the older highlands had higher temperature lavas than areas of more recent volcanism.

			Intermediate and felsic rocks are present on Mars, but seem to be fairly rare. These include quartz rich dacites and granitoids which have been found by spacecraft in Syrtis Major and near the crater Antoniadi.

			Curiosity found hydrated minerals, including calcium sulphate (gypsum).

			Secondary minerals formed by water based weathering include: hematite, phyllosilicates (clay minerals), various carbonates (fairly rare), goethite, jaorsite, iron sulphite minerals, and opaline silica. (Thus, we may fine opals on Mars.) Some of these minerals require acidic water, other need neutral or basic solutions.

			It is believed that carbonate formations are much more widespread, but buried.

			Opportunity found a variety of sulphated minerals, thought to include: kieserite, sulphate anhydate, bassanite, hexahydrite, epsomite, jarosite, and gypsum. Salts including halite, bischofite, antarticite, bloedite, vanhoffite and glauberite are believed to be found. Jarosite is a mineral which can only form in water, which proved that Mars had liquid water (perhaps under a layer of surface ice) for long periods of time.

			Silica has been found in the Columbia hills. This may have formed from acid vapours in the presence of water, as if it was in a hot spring.

			Sedimentary formations are widespread, including sandstone.

			A number of meteorites have been found on the Martian surface.


			No minerals that are formed by life have been found on Mars, i.e. no amber, limestone, coral, petrochemicals, coal, marble, stromatolites, etc.

	==Goethite==		==Goethite==

RichardWSmith: More information on the geology of Mars.

2021-03-03T10:38:10Z

More information on the geology of Mars.

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:38, 3 March 2021
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	'''Minerals''' are [[natural resources]] needed as raw material for setup and extension of [[settlement\|settlements]] on [[Mars]]. From recent unmanned missions some valuable minerals have been found in the [[regolith]], most of them by the [[Mössbauer spectrometer]] [[MIMOS II]]. The atmospheric [[dust]] contains minerals, which allows [[atmospheric mining]].		'''Minerals''' are [[natural resources]] needed as raw material for setup and extension of [[settlement\|settlements]] on [[Mars]]. From recent unmanned missions some valuable minerals have been found in the [[regolith]], most of them by the [[Mössbauer spectrometer]] [[MIMOS II]]. The atmospheric [[dust]] contains minerals, which allows [[atmospheric mining]]. The crust is enriched in iron. It is rich in chlorine, sulphur, potassium and phosphorus (as well as other volatile elements).

			The most common elements making up Mars' crust are: silicon, oxygen, iron, magnesium, aluminum, calcium, & potassium. The elements sulphur, phosphorus, sodium, boron, chlorine are needed for life and have been found on the planet.

			== Overview: ==

	==Goethite==		==Goethite==

Michel Lamontagne: /* Open Issues */

2019-12-26T03:28:37Z

Open Issues

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:28, 26 December 2019
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	==References==		==References==
	<references />		<references />

	~~==Open Issues==~~

	*How exactly can iron, magnesium, etc. be extracted out of these minerals? What we need here are simple processes, allowing the exploitation with limited chemical and energy resources on Mars. The processing should be strictly [[hi-tech versus lo-tech\|lo-tech]].

	[[category:Mineralogy]]		[[category:Mineralogy]]