What is the soil composition of Mars?

Question

Sagar E

Answer 1

The Vikings detected iron-rich smectite clays, magnesium sulfate, iron oxides, and reactive oxidizing agents of unknown chemistry. They detected no organic compounds. Spectral analysis of the dust storms identified the smectite clay as montmorillonite. Smectites have the property of expanding when they contact water, and contracting when they dry. Silicate minerals, oxides (mostly iron), and some calcium carbonate were also found.

Mars soil composition has 5-14 % iron oxide. It is rich in iron, covered with rust thus making it red. The most prevalent elements in the soil patch were silicon and iron. It also found significant levels of chlorine and sulfur.Mineral called olivine was also found.