Science· 2026Q1
A Martian meteorite that formed ≳4.1 billion years ago samples Mars’ early crust and mantle
- 1citations
- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
The Martian meteorite Teghaza 001 (Teg 001), dated to at least 4.1 billion years ago, represents a rare sample of Mars' ancient crust and mantle, distinct from younger meteorites.
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Key points
- Martian meteorite Teghaza 001 (Teg 001) formed at least 4.1 billion years ago.
- Teg 001 is a sample of Mars' ancient crust, originating from a geochemically distinct, primordial mantle.
- Its composition and mineralogy differ significantly from other known Martian meteorites.
- Evidence suggests Teg 001 underwent aqueous alteration with fluids enriched in 18O before ejection.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Martian meteorites provide a record of the planet’s geological history. However, most are geologically young samples that are not representative of Mars’ surface, which is dominated by ancient rocks. We describe the Martian meteorite Teghaza 001 (Teg 001), a slowly cooled igneous rock that formed at least 4.1 billion years ago. Its composition, mineralogy, and texture are distinct from other Martian meteorites. We determine that Teg 001 is a sample of ancient crust, which formed from a geochemically distinct mantle source with primordial composition. The presence of aqueously altered minerals, combined with bulk and mineral-specific oxygen isotope measurements, indicate that Teg 001 experienced reactions with fluids enriched in 18 O, before ejection into space by an impact.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Science, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy and AstrophysicsPhysics and Astronomy