Rare Martian rock discovered in Sahara is over 4 billion years old

The Teghaza 001 meteorite, discovered in the Sahara in 2022, is 4.1 billion years old, making it one of the oldest Martian samples found on Earth. Research indicates that water was present on Mars' surface during its early history. The meteorite, weighing 798.5 grams and consisting of eight fragments, is named after a salt flat in Mali. It likely originated from magma in Mars' mantle and was ejected into space by an asteroid impact. Initial analyses misidentified it as a younger shergottite, but further studies revealed zircon crystals that confirmed its age. The meteorite's unique pink color and chemical composition distinguish it from other Martian meteorites, with potential origins identified in 13 locations on Mars' southern highlands.