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The mineral cave decor — epsomite, mirabilite, sulfate — rusts into the ruddy orange of iron oxide, the deep black of manganese.

After they tested the mounds, state geologists discovered that they are layered formations of a mineral known as mirabilite, a crystalline sodium sulfate.

Although mirabilite has not actually been found on Mars, scientists think ancient mound-like deposits of similar sulfate minerals could still contain some fossilized traces of ancient Martian microbes -- hence the nickname "Martian" mounds.

"As such, these mirabilite mounds will disappear with changing temperatures and the rising lake levels."

Mirabilite mounds are seen more often in places such as the Antarctic, bolstered by the constantly cold temperatures.