CheMin

CheMin, the Chemistry and Mineralogy instrument, will help scientists understand the minerals present on Mars and give a better understanding of the environmental conditions that existed during the time they were formed.

Different minerals are linked to certain kinds of environments, and understanding the formation of mineral crystal structures can identify the presence of water and other elements necessary for life.

Using a scoop to collect rock and soil, and then drilling into the rock samples, the CheMin will direct a beam of X-rays through the dust. All minerals diffract X-rays in a characteristic pattern, and all elements emit X-rays with a unique set of energy levels allowing scientists to identify the crystalline structure of each material the rover encounters.

Read the related story: "The Mars science gear on Curiosity"