Curiosity Rover Discovers Rock with Potential Pure Sulfur on Ancient Martian Riverbed

The rock was found in a place called Gediz Valley Channel. This is an ancient river channel on Mars. Water flowed here billions of years ago. As the rover passed through this channel, it crushed this rock. Scientists noticed that there are many rocks nearby, which look normal on the outside but may have pure sulfur inside. Curiosity project scientist Ashwin Vasavda said that it was like finding an oasis in the desert. Sulfates are salts formed from sulfur dissolved in water. These sulfates are left behind when water evaporates. Sulfates are important for understanding the history of water on Mars. However, very specific conditions are required for the formation of pure sulfur.