# CheMin

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/CheMin
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/CheMin.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CheMin
> Source revision: 1314596517
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

Instrument

CheMin Sample inlet of CheMin analyzer Operator NASA Manufacturer Ames Research Center Instrument type X-ray diffraction Function Surface composition Mission duration November 26, 2011 – present Began operations 17 October 2012 Host spacecraft Spacecraft Curiosity rover Operator NASA Launch date 26 November 2011 Rocket Atlas V 541 (AV-028) Launch site Cape Canaveral LC-41 COSPAR ID 2011-070A

**CheMin**, short for **Chemistry and Mineralogy**, is an instrument located in the interior of the [*Curiosity* rover](/source/Curiosity_rover) that is exploring the surface of [Gale crater](/source/Gale_(crater)) on [Mars](/source/Mars).[1][2][3] David Blake, from NASA [Ames Research Center](/source/Ames_Research_Center), is the Principal Investigator.[1]

CheMin identifies and quantifies the minerals present in rocks and soil delivered to it by the rover's [robotic arm](/source/Curiosity_rover#Robotic_arm). By determining the mineralogy in rocks and soils, CheMin assesses the involvement of [water](/source/Water_on_Mars) in their formation, deposition, or alteration.[2] In addition, CheMin data is useful in the search for potential mineral [biosignatures](/source/Biosignature), energy sources for life or indicators for past [habitable environments](/source/Planetary_habitability).[1][2]

CheMin aboard the *Curiosity* rover on Mars won the 2013 NASA Government Invention of the year award.[4]

## Description

On public display in downtown [Mountain View, California](/source/Mountain_View%2C_California), as part of [NASA Ames](/source/Ames_Research_Center)' 75th anniversary.

First [X-ray diffraction view](/source/X-ray_crystallography#Mineralogy_and_metallurgy) of the [Martian soil](/source/Martian_soil) – CheMin analysis reveals [feldspar](/source/Feldspar), [pyroxenes](/source/Pyroxenes), [olivine](/source/Olivine) and more ([Curiosity rover](/source/Curiosity_rover), "[Rocknest](/source/Rocknest_(Mars))", October 17, 2012).[5]

CheMin is an [X-ray powder diffraction](/source/Powder_diffraction) instrument that also has [X-ray fluorescence](/source/X-ray_fluorescence) capabilities.[2] CheMin does not require the use of liquid reagents, instead, it utilizes a microfocus cobalt [X-ray tube](/source/X-ray_tube), a transmission sample cell and an energy-discriminating X-ray-sensitive [CCD](/source/Charge-coupled_device) to produce simultaneous 2-D X-ray [diffraction patterns](/source/X-ray_scattering_techniques) and energy-dispersive [histograms](/source/Histogram) from powdered samples.[2] Raw CCD frames are processed into data products on board the rover to reduce the data volume. These data products are transmitted to Earth for further processing analyses.[1]

In operation, the [collimated](/source/Collimated_light) X-ray source produces and directs a beam through a transmission sample cell containing powdered material. A CCD ([charge-coupled device](/source/Charge-coupled_device)) imager is positioned on the opposite side of the sample from the source and directly detects X-rays diffracted or [fluoresced](/source/X-ray_fluorescence) by the sample. The CCD can measure the charge generated by each [photon](/source/Photon), and hence its [energy](/source/Radiant_energy). Diffracted X-rays strike the detector and are identified by their energy, producing a two-dimensional image that constitutes the diffraction pattern of the sample. Both crystalline and amorphous materials can be analyzed in this fashion.[2]

A maximum of 65 mm3 of sample material is delivered to a vibrated funnel system that penetrates the rover deck, although only about 10 mm3 of material is required to fill the sample cell which is transparent with a disc-shaped volume, with an 8 mm diameter and 175 μm thickness. The funnel contains a 1 mm mesh screen to limit the particle size. Five permanent cells are loaded with calibration standards; these are single minerals or synthetic ceramic. Each analysis may take up to 10 hours, spread out over two or more Martian nights.[1]

### Features

- **Capacity**: CheMin is planned to analyze as many as 74 dry samples, but it is capable of analyzing many more because its sample cells can be emptied and reused for additional analyses. Cross-contamination by cell reuse is expected to be less than 5%. CheMin does not have the capability to store previously analyzed samples for later reanalysis.

- **Detection limits**: able to detect individual minerals that are present at the 3% level and above.

- **Accuracy**: for minerals that are present in concentrations of 12% and above, CheMin is able to state the absolute amount present ± 1.5%

- **Precision**: 10%[1][2]

## Timeline

On October 17, 2012 at "[Rocknest](/source/Rocknest_(Mars))", the first [X-ray diffraction analysis](/source/X-ray_crystallography#Mineralogy_and_metallurgy) of [Martian soil](/source/Martian_soil) was performed. The results revealed the presence of several minerals, including [feldspar](/source/Feldspar), [pyroxenes](/source/Pyroxenes) and [olivine](/source/Olivine), and suggested that the Martian soil in the sample was similar to the "weathered [basaltic](/source/Basalt) soils" of [Hawaiian volcanoes](/source/Hawaii_Volcanoes).[5] The [paragenetic](/source/Paragenesis) [tephra](/source/Tephra) from a Hawaiian [cinder cone](/source/Cinder_cone) has been mined to create [Martian regolith simulant](/source/Martian_regolith_simulant) for researchers to use since 1998.[6][7]

CheMin analyzed many rocks. Some contained carbonates in the form of crystalline [siderite](/source/Siderite) (FeCO3). One rock contained over 10 % of the mineral. The rocks also were composed of plagioclase with the elements sodium (Na)–, Ca-, and aluminum (Al)–, as well as Ca- and Mg-bearing silicate mineral pyroxene. Other minerals found were calcium sulfates, magnesium sulfates, different amounts of iron oxyhydroxides, and an unidentified x-ray amorphous material. Rover’s Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) instrument uses x-ray diffraction to determine sample mineralogy. The names of the rock formations and drill sites are CA, Canaima; TC, Tapo Caparo; UB, Ubajara; and SQ, Sequoia. V[8]

## Typical results

*Curiosity* rover – [Mudstone](/source/Mudstone) [Mineralogy](/source/Mineralogy) – 2013 to 2016 on Mars (CheMin; December 13, 2016)[9]

## See also

- [Thermal and Evolved Gas Analyzer](/source/Thermal_and_Evolved_Gas_Analyzer) (Phoenix lander)

- [Urey instrument](/source/Urey_instrument)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-SciCorner_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-SciCorner_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-SciCorner_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-SciCorner_1-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-SciCorner_1-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-SciCorner_1-5) NASA Ames Research Center, David Blake (2011). ["MSL Science Corner – Chemistry & Mineralogy (CheMin)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090320125601/http://msl-scicorner.jpl.nasa.gov/Instruments/CheMin/). Archived from [the original](https://msl-scicorner.jpl.nasa.gov/Instruments/CheMin/) on 2009-03-20. Retrieved 2012-08-24.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-SciPackage_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-SciPackage_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-SciPackage_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-SciPackage_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-SciPackage_2-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-SciPackage_2-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-SciPackage_2-6) The MSL Project Science Office (December 14, 2010). ["Mars Science Laboratory Participating Scientists Program – Proposal Information Package"](http://earthweb.ess.washington.edu/ess-306/MSL-PIP.pdf) (PDF). *[JPL](/source/JPL) – NASA*. Washington University. Retrieved 2012-08-24.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Field_deployment_3-0)** Sarrazin, P.; Blake D.; Feldman S.; Chipera S.; Vaniman D.; Bish D. ["FIELD DEPLOYMENT OF A PORTABLE XRD/XRF INSTRUMENT ON MARS ANALOG TERRAIN"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130512004452/http://www.icdd.com/resources/axa/vol48/V48_27.pdf) (PDF). *Advances in X-ray Analysis*. **48**. Archived from [the original](http://www.icdd.com/resources/axa/vol48/V48_27.pdf) (PDF) on 2013-05-12. Retrieved 2012-08-24. International Centre for Diffraction Data 2005

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NASA-20140624_4-0)** Hoover, Rachel (June 24, 2014). ["Ames Instrument Helps Identify the First Habitable Environment on Mars, Wins Invention Award"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160818025152/http://www.nasa.gov/ames/ames-instrument-helps-identify-the-first-habitable-environment-on-mars-wins-invention-award/). *[NASA](/source/NASA)*. Archived from [the original](https://www.nasa.gov/ames/ames-instrument-helps-identify-the-first-habitable-environment-on-mars-wins-invention-award) on August 18, 2016. Retrieved June 25, 2014.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NASA-20121030_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NASA-20121030_5-1) Brown, Dwayne (October 30, 2012). ["NASA Rover's First Soil Studies Help Fingerprint Martian Minerals"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160603091908/http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2012/oct/HQ_12-383_Curiosity_CheMin.html). [NASA](/source/NASA). Archived from [the original](https://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2012/oct/HQ_12-383_Curiosity_CheMin.html) on June 3, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** L. W. Beegle; G. H. Peters; G. S. Mungas; G. H. Bearman; J. A. Smith; R. C. Anderson (2007). [*Mojave Martian Simulant: A New Martian Soil Simulant*](http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2007/pdf/2005.pdf) (PDF). Lunar and Planetary Institute. Retrieved 28 April 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Allen, C. C.; Morris, R. V.; Lindstrom, D. J.; Lindstrom, M. M.; Lockwood, J. P. (March 1997). [*JSC Mars-1: Martian regolith simulant*](https://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc97/pdf/1797.PDF) (PDF). Lunar and Planetary Institute. Retrieved 17 March 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Tutolo, Benjamin M.; et al. (2025). ["Carbonates identified by the Curiosity rover indicate a carbon cycle operated on ancient Mars"](https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado9966). *Science*. **388** (6744): 292–297. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2025Sci...388..292T](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2025Sci...388..292T). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1126/science.ado9966](https://doi.org/10.1126%2Fscience.ado9966). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [40245143](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40245143).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NASA-20161213b_9-0)** Staff (December 13, 2016). ["PIA21146: Mudstone Mineralogy from Curiosity's CheMin, 2013 to 2016"](https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA21146). *[NASA](/source/NASA)*. Retrieved December 16, 2016.

## External links

Look up ***[CheMin](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/CheMin)*** in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

- Media related to [Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) instrument](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Chemistry_and_Mineralogy_(CheMin)_instrument) at Wikimedia Commons

v t e Mars Science Laboratory General Curiosity rover Timeline of Mars Science Laboratory Instruments APXS ChemCam CheMin DAN DRT Hazcam MARDI MAHLI MastCam Navcam RAD REMS Robotic arm Rover embedded computers SAM Features MarsDial MMRTG Rocker-bogie Sky crane Sites Mount Sharp (Aeolis Mons) Aeolis Palus Bradbury Landing Gale Crater Glenelg Peace Vallis Rocknest Yellowknife Bay Rocks Bathurst Inlet Coronation Goulburn Hottah Jake Matijevic Link Rocknest Rocknest 3 Tintina Related Experience Curiosity Exploration of Mars Category Solar System portal

v t e Mars Outline of Mars Geography Atmosphere Circulation Climate Dust devil tracks Methane Regions Arabia Terra Cerberus (Mars) Cydonia Eridania Lake Iani Chaos Olympia Undae Planum Australe Planum Boreum Quadrangles Sinus Meridiani Tempe Terra Terra Cimmeria Terra Sabaea Tharsis Undae Ultimi Scopuli Vastitas Borealis Physical features "Canals" (list) Canyons Catenae Chaos terrain Craters Fossae Gullies Mensae Labyrinthi Mountains by height Observed rocks Outflow channels Plains Valley network Valleys Gravity Geology Brain terrain Carbonates Chaos terrain Color Composition Concentric crater fill Dark slope streak Dichotomy Fretted terrain Geysers Glaciers Groundwater Gullies Lakes Lava tubes Lobate debris apron Marsquake Meteorites on Earth on Mars Mud cracks North Polar Basin Ocean hypothesis Ore resources Polar caps polar wander Recurring slope lineae (RSL) Ring mold craters Rootless cones Seasonal flows Soil Spherules Surface "Swiss cheese" feature Terrain softening Tharsis bulge Volcanism Water Yardangs History Pre-Noachian Noachian Hesperian Amazonian Observation history Classical albedo features Astronomy Moons Phobos Stickney crater Limtoc crater Monolith Deimos Swift crater Voltaire crater Transits Solar eclipses on Mars Satellite transits Phobos Deimos Planetary transits Earth Mercury Asteroids Impacts Mars-crossers 2007 WD5 Trojans 5261 Eureka 1998 VF31 1999 UJ7 2007 NS2 Comets C/2013 A1 (Siding Spring) General Orbit Exploration Concepts Flyby Orbiter Landing Rover Sample return Human mission Permanent settlement Colonization Terraforming Missions List of missions to Mars Advocacy The Mars Project The Case for Mars Inspiration Mars Foundation Mars Institute Mars Society Mars race Related Artificial objects on Mars Memorials on Mars Fiction List of films set on Mars Martian scientist Mythology Flag of Mars Life on Mars Sub-Earth Timekeeping on Mars Sol (day on Mars) Darian calendar Category Solar System portal

v t e Science instruments on satellites and spacecraft Radar Cassini–Huygens Magellan Pioneer Venus Orbiter REASON SELENE SHARAD MARSIS Venera 4 8 9 10 15 16 WISDOM Radio science Akatsuki Cassini–Huygens Europa-UVS ExoMars lander Galileo InSight Kaguya Magellan Mariner 2 3 4 5 6, 7 9 10 Mars Express MESSENGER Nozomi Pioneer 7 10 11 Pioneer Venus Orbiter Sakigake Venus Express Venera 9 Voyager 1 2 Radiometer Microwave Near-Earth AQUA AMR-C (Sentinel-6) AMSR-E (AQUA) AMSR (ADEOS II) AMSR2 (Shizuku) DMSP 5D-2/F13-F15 DMSP 5D-2/F16 ERSS Envisat GPM Core Kanopus-ST MIRAS MISR, MOPITT (Terra) MSR (MOS-1, MOS-1b) MTVZA (Meteor-3M-1) MTVZA-GYa Meteor-M2 Meteor-M2-1 Nimbus 7 RM-08 and MTVZA-OK (Sich-1M) Seasat Sentinel-3 SMAP SMMR SMOS SSM/I SSMIS TRMM WSF-M Zond-PP Interplanetary Cassini-Huygens Electra (radio) Mariner 2 MWR (Juno) Rosetta Infrared-visible Near-Earth AVHRR ASTER, MISR (Terra) AIRS AVNIR AVNIR-2 CERES (TRMM, Terra, Aura, Suomi NPP, NOAA-20) ERBS ERSS GLI (ADEOS II) Kanopus-V-IK MESSR and VTIR MOS-1 1b Meteor-2 MODIS (Terra, Aqua) OPS (JERS-1) ORI (EURECA) Radiation Budget Instrument SGLI (GCOM-C) SLSTR (Sentinel-3) VIIRS (Suomi NPP, NOAA-21) Interplanetary COMARS+ (on Schiaparelli) Diviner (on LRO) HP3 (on InSight) IRIS Luna 13 Mariner 6 and 7 Mariner 10 Mars 96 2M No.521 2M No.522 Pioneer 10 11 PMIRR (on Mars Climate Orbiter) Venera 9 10 Voyager 1 2 Ultraviolet (UV) Near-Earth ORI (EURECA) LYRA Proba-2 Spectrophotometers Long wavelength Interplanetary ISO Visible-IR (VIRS) Near-Earth CASE MOMS Multispectral Scanner SCIAMACHY TES TRMM Interplanetary AKARI Rosalind Franklin rover MA-MISS ISEM Infrared Space Observatory IRIS (Voyager 1 and 2) JIRAM (on Juno) M3 Mariner 6 and 7 MESSENGER MERIS E-THEMIS, MISE, SUDA (on Europa Clipper) Ralph SPICAM SPICAV Venus Emissivity Mapper UV-visible (UVVS) Interplanetary Alice Mariner 6 and 7 Mariner 10 MESSENGER NOMAD SPICAM SPICAV UVS Voyager 1 2 Raman Interplanetary Raman Laser Spectrometer (Rosalind Franklin rover) SHERLOC (Perseverance rover) Magnetometer Near-Earth GOES QuakeSat 1 and 2 SGVM Proba-2 Interplanetary FIELDS Pioneer 10 11 Voyager 1 2 MAG (Juno) ICEMAG and PIMS (Europa Clipper) Triaxial fluxgate Near-Earth Swarm Interplanetary Cassini–Huygens FIELDS Magsat Mariner 2 4 5 10 MESSENGER Pioneer 11 Venus Express Helium vapor Near-Earth Swarm Interplanetary Cassini–Huygens Particle detectors Ion detectors Near-Earth DEMETER TPMU and DSLP Proba-2 Interplanetary ASPERA-3 ASPERA-4 Mariner 2 SPS Ulysses Neutral particle detector Interplanetary ADRON-RM (Rosalind Franklin rover) ASPERA-3 (on Mars Express) ASPERA-4 (on Venus Express) DAN (on Curiosity) FREND (on ExoMars TGO) Nozomi SPS (on Mariner 2) Ulysses Mass spectrometer Interplanetary MASPEX (Europa Clipper) MOMA (Rosalind Franklin rover) Seismometers SEIS (on InSight) Viking 1 2 Imagers/telescopes High Resolution Stereo Camera HiRISE LORRI Mars Orbiter Camera Microscopes MicrOmega-IR (Rosalind Franklin rover) Astronomical instruments International Lunar Observatory MoonLIGHT Biosensor Viking lander biological experiments SOLID Misc Deep Space Atomic Clock Inertial Stellar Compass Venetia Burney Student Dust Counter Plasma Wave Subsystem

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [CheMin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CheMin) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CheMin?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.