Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Preparation of Authigenic Pyrite from Methane-bearing Sediments for In Situ Sulfur Isotope Analysis Using SIMS
09:31

Preparation of Authigenic Pyrite from Methane-bearing Sediments for In Situ Sulfur Isotope Analysis Using SIMS

Published on: August 31, 2017

A native sulfur deposit in Gale crater, Mars

Scott J VanBommel1, Jeff A Berger2, Penelope L King3

  • 1McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences, Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 28, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Ancient Martian rocks contain native sulfur, indicating a subsurface fluid pathway. This discovery suggests magmatic vapor was the sulfur source, released during canyon erosion on Mars.

More Related Videos

Demonstrating the Simplicity and In Situ Temperature Monitoring of the Mechanochemical Synthesis of Metal Chalcogenides Suitable for Thermoelectrics04:09

Demonstrating the Simplicity and In Situ Temperature Monitoring of the Mechanochemical Synthesis of Metal Chalcogenides Suitable for Thermoelectrics

Published on: August 30, 2024

Synthesis of a Thiol Building Block for the Crystallization of a Semiconducting Gyroidal Metal-sulfur Framework12:30

Synthesis of a Thiol Building Block for the Crystallization of a Semiconducting Gyroidal Metal-sulfur Framework

Published on: April 9, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Sulfur Assimilation01:20

Sulfur Assimilation

Sulfur is an essential element in biological systems, contributing to synthesizing key biomolecules, including amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, and cofactors such as coenzyme A and biotin. Microorganisms primarily assimilate sulfur as sulfate (SO₄²⁻) from the environment, which must undergo a series of biochemical transformations before it can be incorporated into cellular components. As sulfate is highly oxidized, it must undergo assimilatory sulfate reduction to become...
The Sulfur Cycle01:22

The Sulfur Cycle

Sulfur, an important element in the chemical makeup of proteins, is recycled through the atmosphere and aquatic and terrestrial environments. Found in the atmosphere as sulfur dioxide (SO2), sulfur is released by decaying organisms, weathered rocks, geothermal vents, volcanos, and burning fossil fuels. It is deposited into the ecosystem, cycled through the biotic community, and either released back into the atmosphere as gas or deposited in marine sediment for long-term storage and eventual...
Microbes and the Sulfur Cycle01:29

Microbes and the Sulfur Cycle

Sulfur is a vital element in Earth's biogeochemical systems. It transitions through various inorganic states, including sulfate (SO₄²⁻), elemental sulfur (S⁰), and sulfide (S²⁻). Abiotic and biological mechanisms across oxic and anoxic environments intricately mediate these transformations. Sulfate, the most oxidized form of sulfur, is predominantly stored in rocks, marine sediments, and oceanic waters, acting as a long-term reservoir in the global sulfur cycle.In oxic environments,...
Preparation and Reactions of Sulfides02:26

Preparation and Reactions of Sulfides

Sulfides are the sulfur analog of ethers, just as thiols are the sulfur analog of alcohol. Like ethers, sulfides also consist of two hydrocarbon groups bonded to the central sulfur atom. Depending upon the type of groups present, sulfides can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Symmetrical sulfides can be prepared via an SN2 reaction between 2 equivalents of an alkyl halide and one equivalent of sodium sulfide.
Minerals01:26

Minerals

Minerals are essential nutrients that the human body needs in small amounts to work properly. They play a vital role in many bodily functions, such as building strong bones and transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are needed for hormone production or to maintain a normal heartbeat. Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium, while trace minerals include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.
Sulfate Attack on Concrete01:29

Sulfate Attack on Concrete

Sulfate attack on concrete is a deterioration process characterized by a whitish discoloration beginning at the edges and corners, accompanied by cracking and spalling. This phenomenon occurs when sulfates react with the components of hardened concrete, forming compounds like calcium sulfate and calcium sulfoaluminate which occupy more space than the substances they replace, causing the concrete to expand and disrupt.
Sulfates from sources like soil, groundwater, or industrial effluents...