https://www.cnet.com/news/nasa-curiosity-rover-rocked-mars-landscape-with-dramatic-drilling/

Usually, the rover uses a percussive drilling technique to work its way into hard rocks. It didn't have to this time because the rock was so soft. "This was the mission's first sample obtained using only rotation of the drill bit," NASA said on Thursday.

NASA has had its eye on this clay-rich area since it first chose the Gale Crater as Curiosity's landing spot. The rover is now working to analyze the drill hole and rock powder. Scientists are eager to know if it contains traces of clay minerals that typically form in water.