NASA's Perseverance rover has discovered a treasure trove of diverse and intriguing rocks while exploring an ancient river channel on Mars, providing scientists with new insights into the geological history of the Red Planet.

What was first glimpsed briefly through the Neretva Vallis to avoid wheels-damaging rocks has turned into a scientific gold mine.

The rover's detour through a dune field not only interrupted its journey to the Bright Angel area, but also gave researchers an unexpected opportunity to study fascinating geological features within an ancient Martian waterway.

"The diversity of textures and compositions at Mount Washburn was an exciting discovery for the team, as these rocks represent geologic 'gifts' brought down from the crater rim and potentially beyond," said Brad Garczynski of Western Washington University in Bellingham.

One of the most exciting discoveries came at a site called Mount Washburn, where Perseverance encountered a variety of rock types never seen on Mars.

Amongst the diverse collection of blue rocks on Mount Washburn, one rock stood out dramatically.

Nicknamed Atoko Point, this light-colored, speckled rock is about 45 centimeters wide and 35 centimeters tall. Analysis using the rover's SuperCam and Mastcam-Z instruments revealed that Atoko Point is composed of pyroxene and feldspar minerals.

What makes Atoko Point truly unique is its mineral composition, crystal structure and, potentially, chemical composition. Scientists are debating its origin, with some speculating that it formed in an underground magma body now exposed on the rim of Jezero Crater, while others suggest it may have been transported from far beyond the crater by ancient Martian waters.

Blue Cliffs and Atoko Point were originally photographed in June. The discovery of Atoko Point and various other rock types in the Neretva Vallis channel is helping scientists piece together Mars' complex geological past. These findings could provide crucial information about the planet's volcanic activity, water flow patterns and potential for past habitation.

In an update, NASA said the rover is continuing its journey to the rim of Jezero Crater.

"This steep climb through the Martian regolith (soil) may prove to be a slow ride for the rover, as the wheels may slip on the steepest areas," the agency said in the update. "It's like trying to run up a sand hill on a beach—with every step forward, you also slide down the hill."