Mars Rover Finds Vein of Gypsum Deposited by Water

Vein of Gypsum at Homestake in Endeavour Crater – bright line, middle, right Image Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech

The Mars rover Opportunity has returned images and evidence for the mineral Gypsum, composed of Calcium Sulfate, which is usually deposited in water. The discovery occurred at the site nicknamed “Homestake”, which is near the edge of the “Cape York” segment of the western rim of Endeavour Crater.

Vein of Gypsum in Natural Color Image Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / Cornell / ASU