A NASA-funded study has shed light on one of the oldest Martian meteorites ever discovered on Earth. The rose-colored rock, named Teghaza 001, was found in the Sahara Desert in 2022 and has been dated to be over 4.1 billion years old. This makes it one of the three most ancient Martian meteorites found on Earth. The meteorite was discovered on a salt plain in Mali and is one of approximately 435 Martian meteorites known to exist. Researchers have characterized the meteorite's mineralogy and chemistry, providing a unique glimpse into Mars' ancient crust and formation. The study's lead author, Yang Liu of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, notes that the meteorite is particularly significant due to its texture and age, as well as the uniqueness of its igneous minerals. The researchers' findings could help answer questions about how water and rocks interacted on ancient Mars. A separate study published in Science Advances in June detailed the meteorite's water content, offering further insights into the early planet's surface. The discovery of Teghaza 001 is a significant contribution to the understanding of Mars' geological history and may provide valuable information for future Mars research.