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
- Evan. Zabout 14 yearsThe Caves are beautiful and stable. It says " It is it was hot and humid". It is also hot because it is 1,000 ft below the surface. They also look and feel sharp at the points of the crystal. The most important characteristics are the water and the crystals. I think those are the most important because you need water to make the crystals bigger and stronger. That is what I think of the caves.
- JackM. $$$$$ !!!!!!!!!!about 14 yearsThe cave of crystals look like giant icicles. They also look like they have been getting colder and colder so the crystal will blow up. The caves were actually found by two men in 2000. They found that the caves were to be 1000ft below the surface. The men drilled until they saw this awesome cave of millions of crystals.
- Alex Pabout 14 yearsThe Crystal Cave of Chihuahua's is famous for its amazing characteristics. One characteristic is that crystals grow every where and the tallest one is 37 feet and 55 tons. The cave also contains 170 of the largest natural crystals. Another characteristic is its is very hot. It exceed 112 Fahrenheit and the humidity is 80-90%. They have to wear gear just to visit. The crystals look like columns. But pointed and white The cave was found by two brothers in 2000, 1000 feet under ground. They were drilling and stumbled upon the worlds most amazing cave ever.
- Alexis Labout 14 yearsI really enjoyed these articles. The some of the same things are. Like the same weighs 55 tons now that to me must weigh a lot. One thing that is different is the tallest measuring of Mexico's Crystal Cave is 26 feet. The measuring of The Crystal Cave of Chihuahua tallest measuring 37 feet. Now that might be a lot. At least that is what I think. Mexico's Crystal Cave and The Crystal Cave of Chihuahua do not look at all the same the Caves of Chihuahua are large squares the Caves of Mexico are crystals which hang of the walls. I think this artical was very good! :)
- Nikola P.about 14 yearsI enjoyed the article so much. The Mexico's Crystal Caves are amazing. It was discovered by miners that were drilling a tunnel. When they were drilling the tunnel they found the crystal cave. The miners names are Juan and Pedro Sanchez, which are brothers. The cave contains over 170 of the largest natural crystals ever found. The tallest crystal is measuring about 37 feet tall and weighing in excess of 55 tons. The crystals were formed from volcanic activity 26 million years ago. The magma, which was saturated with a mineral known as anhydrite dissolved with the gypsum to make tiny crystals. Because of the temperature stayed the same, the crystals grew. The shiny-ice like beams emerge from all sides of the cave and even the floor. The most important characteristic is that it is the biggest crystal cave in the world and it is home to the world's lagest crystals. This cave is in a working mine, 1000ft below sea level in Naica mountain which is in the Chihuahua desert.
- Liethabout 14 yearsBoth the Crystal Cave of Maxico and The Crystal Cave of Chihuahua were discovered by accident in the year 2000! They both have huge crystals under the ground,and each crystal can get up to 55 tons in weight, and 137 feet long! The Magma, which came from a Volcano millions of years ago, was saturated with minerals like, Anhidrate and Gypsum. With time and very hot humid air the crytals grew over time , and they became so huge and shiny like ice, even though they are not. I wish to visit these places sometime to explore nature.
- Grace S.about 14 yearsThe Crystal Caves of Chihuahua are amazing. They have jagged edges. They look very cool, but some might be sharp.They have to be kept in a warm place, so that mineworkers have to wear a special suit. Most crystals are clear. Crystals can be very big or very small. They also look like icicles.
- Jo$hua Thoma$about 14 yearsThe cave crystals in Mexico kind of look like gigantic icicles. They have many different important characteristics such as, smooth, pointy ends, huge, sharp, and white. The cave crystals got so big because of the water, temperature, and how long they have been in the water for. Many miners have to be carful because of the sharp and pointy edges of the crystals.
- Erin Sabout 14 yearsThe crystals have become quite famous. Scientists believe that there are many other caves just like this.
- Erin Sabout 14 yearsThis article I thought was a little bit better than the last article. Like the Naica Mountain was called for volcanic activity 26 million years ago.