Martian Blueberries

According to Researchers from Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad the Blueberries in India and “Martian Blueberries” share similar characteristics.

What are Martian Blueberries?

Martian blueberries are small spherical haematites.
The Mars rover “Opportunity” discovered them in 2004 on the planet Mars.

Composition of Martian blueberries:

Martian Blueberries are made of iron oxide compounds called haematites.
These haematites are known to form in oxidising environments through precipitation from aqueous fluids (water-like fluid).
Hence, the presence of haematites suggests that water was present on Mars.
It also indicates that the planet had an atmosphere with oxygen as haematites need oxygen to stabilise.

Similar Haematite Concentrations on Earth

Researchers from India have been studying the Jhuran formation in Kutch, Gujarat.
They have similar morphology – spherical and similar mineralogy – a mixture of haematite and goethite.
Further, it has been also argued that the transformation of Mars from a wet and humid to dry and arid environment is mimicked by the history of Kutch in Gujarat.

Source: TH

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