NASA’s Perseverance rover has discovered a rare zebra-striped rock on Mars, raising new questions about the planet’s volcanic and geological past.
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| Scientists are analyzing images of a 20-centimeter striped rock found by NASA’s Perseverance rover to determine whether volcanic or metamorphic processes shaped it. Image: NASA/ CH |
Science Desk – February 25, 2026:
A striking black-and-white striped rock discovered on Mars is prompting fresh scientific debate about the Red Planet’s geological history and the forces that once shaped its surface.
The unusual formation was photographed on September 13, 2024, by NASA’s Perseverance rover as it climbed the rim of Jezero Crater. The rock, informally named “Freya Castle” by mission scientists, immediately stood out from its surroundings due to its zebra-like banding.
According to NASA, the rock measures roughly 20 centimeters across and differs significantly from other rocks previously studied in Jezero Crater. The rover first detected it while crossing a relatively flat, pebble-strewn area, where its navigation cameras captured the distinctive striped pattern.
Scientists emphasize that visual appearance alone cannot determine the rock’s origin. However, preliminary analysis suggests that the alternating black and white bands may be linked to volcanic or metamorphic processes. On Earth, similar banded patterns often form when minerals separate under intense heat and pressure or when molten rock cools slowly, allowing distinct mineral layers to crystallize over time.
If such processes occurred on Mars, they would offer important insights into the planet’s early thermal and tectonic activity. Mars is widely believed to have been geologically more active billions of years ago, with volcanic eruptions and internal heat shaping much of its surface. A rock like Freya Castle could serve as physical evidence of those ancient conditions.
Another intriguing aspect of the discovery is that Freya Castle does not appear to be embedded in the primary bedrock layer of the crater. Instead, it is classified as a loose or “float” rock, meaning it likely originated elsewhere and was transported to its current location. Scientists are now investigating how it may have traveled — possibly through impact events, erosion, or ancient water flow.
The find underscores the importance of Perseverance’s ongoing mission in Jezero Crater, a site chosen because it once contained a river delta and lake system. While much attention has focused on the search for signs of ancient microbial life, geological discoveries like Freya Castle are equally critical. Understanding Mars’ rock formations helps reconstruct the planet’s environmental history and assess whether it once had conditions suitable for life.
As researchers continue to analyze imagery and data from the rover, the zebra-striped rock stands as a reminder that Mars still holds geological surprises. Whether formed by volcanic forces, metamorphic transformation, or another process entirely, Freya Castle may provide a rare window into the deep and dynamic past of the Red Planet.