The Riches of Mars

An unmanned probe found exposed gems scattered along the Martian terrain.

Large quantities of a green mineral gemstone have been found on Mars. Rocky outcrops of the mineral olivine were spotted by a space craft orbiting the planet.
On Earth, the mineral is known as peridot, an inexpensive gemstone used in jewellery.

Its presence gives clues to the ancient history of Mars, suggesting the planet has been cold and dry for billions of years.

The exposed mineral is weathered away in warm, wet conditions.

If it has been there for billions of years, as geological evidence suggests, then Mars must have been cold and dry for much of that time.

I surely hope that the probe landed on the Martian planet and found the gems, just think how big the gems would have to be for them to be detected from orbit.

Source: BBC News