Why is Martian soil red?

Question

Why is Martian soil red?

Answer 1

The simple explanation is that the planet's soil is rich in iron oxide, but there's much debate as to why the mineral is so ubiquitous in the Martian environment. The old theory is that the oxidization process began early in Mars' life cycle, when warm water flowed on the planet—water that may have carved out the long, now-barren channels that snake through portions of the planet. Rocks containing iron would have slowly been worn away by rivers and seas, and the oxygen in the water would have combined with the iron to create iron oxide—or, in lay terms, the iron would have rusted into red dust. Flecks of the reddish mineral would then have been dispersed all over the planet via raindrops. Scientists who believe that Mars was once flooded with water have pointed to the abundance of iron oxide as proof of their claims. And where there's water, of course, there may also be life.

Answer 2

The red-orange appearance of the Martian surface is caused by iron oxide, more commonly known as hematite, or rust.

:0)