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An image provided by NASA shows the robotic arm of NASA's Mars rover Curiosity with the first rock touched by an instrument on the arm. (AP Photo/NASA)

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Mars rover's peek at rock turns up a curiosity

A bit more unusual than expected

Updated: Friday, 12 Oct 2012, 7:24 AM EDT
Published : Friday, 12 Oct 2012, 7:24 AM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The first rock nuzzled by NASA's Mars Curiosity rover is turning out to be a bit more unusual than scientists thought it would be.

Curiosity used its robot arm to touch at a football-sized pyramid-shaped rock for the first time two weeks ago. It also shot the rock dozens of times with a laser.

The results surprised scientists. They said Thursday that it is not like other rocks seen on Mars. It has more sodium and potassium.

Scientist Edward Stolper said the rock is more like rare volcanic rocks seen on Earth in places like Hawaii. Those rocks are formed under high pressure, deep underground and once contained water.

Scientists don't know how old the Martian rock is.

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Online:

Mission page: http://www.nasa.gov/msl

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