Meteorite “Black beauty” throws light on Mars history

January 8, 2013

As per US scientists, the meteorite Northwest Africa (NWA) 7034 which is ncknamed “Black Beauty,” is a new type of Martian meteorite, possessing 10 times more water than usual. The rocky lump was found in 2011 in the Sahara Desert is 2-billion-year-old and weighs around 320 grams.

How is it different from other Martian meteorite?

It is very much older than most other Martian meteorites.
Different chemical composition and has a different mixture of oxygen isotopes.
Can provide insight into what Mars was like around 2 billion years ago.
It provides an excellent match for surface rocks and outcrops NASA has studied remotely via Mars rovers and Mars—orbiting satellites.

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