Jarosite on Earth: Rare Martian Mineral Found In Antarctica

Jarosite, a mineral from mars scarcely seen on earth has been unearthed from Antarctic ice. According to Science Magazine, the discovery was made after drilling deep into the Antarctic ice.

The name of the mineral is "jarosite", it is a sulfate of potassium and iron. It can be formed by both water and acidic conditions. These conditions are rarely found on mars, according to NASA. Jarosite was first discovered on Mars in 2004 by a rover named "opportunity". After that discovery, it was found in several other locations on Mars.

Jarosite

Jarosite is a mineral that is often found in sulfate and iron-rich environment. Other groups of jarosite minerals include silver, lead, sodium, and ammonium amongst others. Other places jarosite can be found are in mining and ore processing wastes. In these places, they can act as sinks for other toxic elements like lead and arsenic. They break down to release metals like iron, potassium as well as hydrogen ions and sulfate. This can be a source of acid in stream systems. They are used in hydrometallurgy to control impurities.

More About Jarosite

The name jarosite was derived from a Spanish name of a yellow flower of the genus Cistus. The color of this flower and that of the mineral almost matches. The mineral was described for the first time in 1852 by August Breithaupt. Jarosite is yellow to yellowish-brown in color. It is brittle, hard, and has a crystal structure. It appears translucent and sometimes opaque.

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