The number of studies of Mars geology through the geochemical analysis of Martian meteorites has been increasing in the last
years because of the amount of information that can be obtained about the planet. In this study, a Martian meteorite, the
Northwest Africa 6148 nakhlite, has been analysed and characterised, as there were few studies about it. After analysing it by
Raman spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscope–Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy coupled to the Structural and
Chemical Analyser interface, augite and olivine were identified as the main mineral phases of the sample. Moreover, using the
Raman bands position, both minerals’ metal proportions were estimated. This methodology used in meteorite studies provides
good semi-quantitative results and can offer some advantages to other techniques. In addition, calcite was found, being
associated with Earth weathering processes. Surprisingly, Co3O4 was detected in the matrix of the meteorite. This is the first time
that this oxide is observed in ameteorite. Itwas not possible to determine if it is an original compound fromMars or a product of a
weathering process on Earth. However, whichever the case may be, solely the presence of this cobalt oxide represents a relevant
finding, as it could provide a deeper knowledge of theMartian geochemistry or the Earth weathering processes. Copyright © 2017
John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
