NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has spotted some opal-like material on Mars. Check out the satellite photo at left.
The presence of these hydrated minerals in relatively "young rock" (We're talking only about 2 billion years old here. You know...young.) has scientists all excited because it gives a timeline for when Mars likely had enough water to support life.
This discovery has me excited because I love pretty, pretty opals. 
Now I'm just trying to figure out how long it will take space pioneers to start mining this stuff. Can you imagine?? Necklaces and possibly engagement rings of the future could be sporting Martian opals. Crazy, huh?
~Addie~
- You can read the story on NASA's Web site here.
- If you'd like more information about all thing opal, check out our printable Opal Glossary.
- And for information about how best to clean opals and other gems, see out our printable Gemstone Cleaning Chart.
Thanks to The Daily Jewel blog for the link, and NASA for the picture.