Pink meteorite found in Sahara identified as 4.1 billion year old piece of Mars

A pink meteorite discovered in the Sahara Desert in 2022 has been identified as a piece of Mars, according to a study. The specimen, weighing nearly 900 grams, was found in Mali and named “Tegaza 001” after the salt plain where it was located.

NASA researchers determined the meteorite is approximately 4.1 billion years old, making it one of the three oldest Martian meteorites found on Earth. The composition of the meteorite, which includes a unique mixture of volcanic minerals and zircon crystals, provides scientists with insights into the formation of the Martian crust through the cooling of magma and subsequent alteration by surface water.