While exploring Mars, NASA’s Curiosity rover came across a what researchers say is a mineral-rich meteorite.

The image of the rock, which has been dubbed Ames Knob, was captured on Jan. 12, according to NASA.

Results from Curiosity's ChemCam, a laser-firing spectrometer, suggest that the rock is an iron-nickel meteorite, Space.com reports. 

It has not yet been confirmed that the object is a meteorite though it features characteristics of one, such as a metallic luster and a slightly dimpled texture that may come from regmaglypts, which are indentations commonly seen in meteorites, according to Phys.org. The markings occur when softer materials are stripped from the rock’s surface during the brief and intense heat and pressure from plunging through the atmosphere.

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Ames Knob is roughly 4 inches wide and 5.5 inches long and is the fourth space rock Curiosity has found on Mars, Space also reports. 

Several meteorites made of iron have been discovered on Mars. Five were found by NASA’s Opportunity rover and the Spirit rover collected pictures of two potential meteorites, according to New Scientist. 

Late last year, Curiosity spotted a similarly-composed meteorite which researchers named “Egg Rock,” according to NASA. The ChemCam found concentrations of iron, nickel and phosphorus inside of the object. 

The study of iron meteorites found on Mars can provide information about how long exposure to the Red Planet’s environment has affected them, which can then be compared to how Earth's environment affects iron meteorites.

MORE ON WEATHER.COM: Inside Meteorites

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