Scientists may finally have a way to detect ancient life on Mars by studying microbial fossils preserved in sulfate minerals. Gypsum deposits on Mars may be hiding evidence of past microbial life — similar to the first organisms that appeared on Earth four billion years ago.

How do these crystals show NASA where to look for evidence of life on Mars? Well, the history of Mars is still a bit of a mystery. While we wholly believe that it was once likely covered with oceans,

NASA’s Perseverance rover has uncovered high-purity quartz crystals on Mars, a discovery that could reshape the search for ancient life on the Red Planet. The crystals, along with other minerals such as opal,