The Crystal Caves Of Chihuahua
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The Mexican State of Chihuahua has become quite famous, thanks to its namesake dog. However, it is also home to one of the most amazing Crystal Caves - Unlike any other found in the world.
The cave is located in a working mine, 1000ft below the ground in the Naica mountain which lies in the Chihuahan desert. It was found in 2000 by two brothers, Juan and Pedro Sanchez, who were drilling a mining tunnel, when they stumbled upon it. Knowing they had found something quite amazing, the duo reported it to the engineer, who quickly re-routed the tunnel, so that the cave could be preserved.
Often called The Sistine Chapel of Crystals, the cave contains over 170 of the largest natural crystals ever found, with the tallest one measuring about 37 feet and weighing in excess of 55 tons. The entire cave is covered with the shiny ice-like crystal beams jutting from the cave sides, as well as the floor.
After years of research, scientists were able to solve the mystery of how the crystals here grew so large. The Naica Mountain was formed as a result of volcanic activity about 26 million years ago. The magma, saturated with a mineral called anhydrite dissolved with the gypsum (the mineral which the crystals are made of) to produce tiny crystals. Because the temperature in the cave is consistently warm and stable, the crystals thrived and grew to these amazing levels.
The ice-like crystals make these caves look deceptively cool. In reality the temperatures here exceed 112 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity is 80-90%. It is so warm that the mineworkers who visit, have to wear protective suits and carry backpacks of ice-cooled air. However, this and the fact that it takes twenty minutes to get to the caves, has not deterred would-be thieves from trying to steal some of the crystal. In order to preserve them, the authorities had to construct a thick-iron gate outside the caves.
Scientists believe that there are many other caves like this, just waiting to be discovered. Meanwhile we have the Cueva des los Christales or Cave of Crystals that definitely ranks amongst one of the most amazing natural wonders of the World today.
Sources: crystallnks.com, nationalgeographic.com
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99 Comments
- Sofia M :)about 14 yearsThe characteristics of the crystals in the Cave of Chhihuauha is that they are very big, shiny,and look transparent. Also, the Crystals look like that they are huge from a persons point of veiw. What surprises me is that the Cyrstals wheigh up to 55 tons, and are 37 feet long. I really enjoyed this article, and for sure share it with a friend.
- Zachary Mabout 14 yearsI think that the article describes the crystals as being shiny, sharp and they look a lot like ice. The caves are very hot and humid. The temperature can reach up to 125 degrees with 90% humidity. These conditions were what helped the crystals grow so huge, until the miners dug and discovered the cave and drained the water. Now there is a cave where scientists can go to see these amazing crystals.
- Gabby T.about 14 yearsWOW!!! I cannot belive how big the biggest crystal is!!! 36 feet is HUGE!!! One of the charecteristics of the cave is that it is hot and shiny. It looks big and cold.It looks dark and scary. And it looks deserted.If you want to survive there, you need to carry a pack of ice, wear an oxygen mask, a special suit and carry a backpack of extra supplies.
- joshuasimoabout 14 yearsI like these caves. The 1st cave was awsome. the 1st cave had walls of spikes or swords.I never knew that a cave could be found by brothers. I wonder why they didn't keep digging and keep some crystals for themselvs. I shure wish I could go ta a cave like those. I think they need mere sicurity though.
- Joe $.about 14 yearsThe caves have a lot of crystals that are sharp, and they are shiny like metal. The longest crystal is about 37 feet long. The crystal weighs about 55 tons. The crystals make it hard to walk without getting poked by one. This is how the cave looks like.
- Jose pabout 14 yearsThe crystals look like huge ice cubes hanging from the sealing but they also look like the glow in the dark and have glitter in the dark but they look more like they could be bought for a pricy amount of money.
- Dennnis Babout 14 yearsAll those crystals came from a volcano that erupted 26,000,000 years ago.
- Dennnis Babout 14 yearsthe caves look like spikes, ecpecially the sword cave that kind of looks like a death trap. It may look cool, but it is 112 degrees Farenheit in the cave. The crystals are an important characteristics. Usually if you walk into a cave, you see rocks and a few gems. But with that cave, you could find crystals easy.
- Traeabout 14 yearsthe crystals look like spikes and glass. They look like big glass tubs. And they look like they would fell smooth
- Traeabout 14 yearsThe cave look like glass.Crushed glass.And spicks.