Naica’s Cave of Crystals: A Geological Wonder

In the year 2000, miners working in Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico, made a breathtaking discovery beneath the Earth's surface—the Cave of Crystals (Cueva de los Cristales). This underground marvel is home to some of the largest natural crystals ever found, with massive selenite (gypsum) formations measuring over 10 meters (33 feet) in length and weighing several tons.

These extraordinary crystals formed over hundreds of thousands of years due to the unique conditions within the cave. The chamber was once filled with mineral-rich, calcium sulfate-saturated water, which remained at a stable, high temperature, allowing the gypsum to slowly crystallize. Scientists estimate that the crystals grew at a rate of about one meter per 1,000 years, meaning some of the largest formations took approximately 500,000 years to reach their current size.

However, this stunning geological wonder comes with extreme challenges. The cave's environment is dangerously inhospitable, with temperatures soaring to 50°C (122°F) and relative humidity exceeding 90%. These conditions make human exploration nearly impossible without specialized cooling suits. Without protection, researchers can endure only 10-15 minutes inside before experiencing severe heat stress, as the high humidity prevents sweat from evaporating and cooling the body.

Mining operations initially drained the cave, exposing the crystals to dehydration and potential damage. However, in 2017, the mine was flooded again, restoring the original water levels and helping to preserve the formations by preventing them from drying out and cracking. While this means researchers can no longer access the site, it also ensures that the crystals remain intact for future generations.

Despite its extreme conditions, the Cave of Crystals remains one of the most extraordinary geological formations on Earth. Scientists continue to study similar gypsum crystal deposits around the world, seeking to understand the processes that created this otherworldly subterranean wonder.

Check out the video from Atlas Obscura

Please read the article for the details of the photo.

It is incredible! https://cen.acs.org/.../Naicas-crystal-cave.../97/i6

Photo Credit: Javier Trueba/MSF/Science Source