NASA's Curiosity rover discovers clay on the surface of Mars

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Clay discovered on Mars that formed when soil mixed with water may give crucial clues to life that once lived on the now-barren planet billions of years ago. 

NASA's six-wheeled Curiosity rover has discovered the material on the martian surface beforehand - but never in such large quantities.  

Curiosity marked the occasion with an impressive selfie via its Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI), a camera on the end of the rover's robotic arm. 

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The momentous discovery was made in an area aptly known as the 'clay-bearing unit' on the incline at the base of Mount Sharp, a 3.4 mile-high (4.5km) mountain. 

NASA's Jet propulsion laboratory, which runs the mission, said in a statement: 'Clay often forms in water, which is essential for life.

'Curiosity is exploring Mount Sharp to see if it had the conditions to support life billions of years ago.'

Curiosity migrated to the region after spending time studying Vera Rubin Ridge, to the north of its current location.  

Since arriving at the base of the mountain in the 96-mile-wide (155 km) Gale Crater in April it has taken two samples by drilling into the planet. 

These two targets are called 'Aberlady' and 'Kilmarie' and are the 20th and 21st samples taken by Curiosity on Mars.  

The rover is now slowly ascending the mountain and will study the clay in greater detail to determine if Martian conditions were ever able to support life. 

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, announced the fin, saying is is 'the highest amounts of clay minerals ever found during the mission'.