Mexico’s Cave of Crystals

The Cave of Crystals, located in the working Naica Mine of Chihuahua, Mexico, has captivated the world since it was first discovered in 2000. The underground chambers house some of the largest natural selenite crystals in the world, with stunning crystal formations measuring more than 30ft (9.2m) in length and over 4ft (1.2m) in diameter.

The famous crystal caves have attracted worldwide fascination but the caves are difficult to access and not for the faint of heart. With the extreme humidity and high temperatures, explorers are obligated to wear special refrigeration suits to maintain a supply of cool dry air in order to survive the conditions in the cave.

Unfortunately, the future of the Cave of Crystals is uncertain as the cave is owned by the Naica Mine of Chihuahua and currently there is no incentive to keep it open. University of Plymouth professor Iain Stewart recently explored the mines for a BBC special and highlighted that the fate of the caves is precarious.

“They do not earn any money (from the cave), and sooner or later, when the financial situation of the mines change, it will be closed. The water pumps will be removed and the cave will be flooded, and the crystals, again, will be out of our reach,” he reported.

Via BBC

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