March 21, 2007: Giant crystal cave in Mexico

[Undertoad]

(c) Javier Trueba / Madrid Scientific Films / madridsf@gmail.com


Yes, it's another of those images too wide for your browser. But I had to keep these sized
like this, because you wanted to see the large version. You know you did.

It's another axlrosen submittal, which was also Boing Boing'd. The shots at the site BB links
to have extreme JPEG compression issues. Snooping around for better ones, only Snopes
message board had clearer original photos.


(c) Javier Trueba / Madrid Scientific Films / madridsf@gmail.com

The complete explanation comes from here.

The crystal cavern was discovered within the same limestone body that hosts
the silver-zinc-lead ore bodies exploited by the mine. The cavern was probably
dissolved by the same hydrothermal fluids that deposited the metals with the gypsum
being crystallized during the waning stages of mineralization. The crystals probably grew
relatively quickly to their immense size within a completely liquid-filled cavern.

No I don't understand it either. But it's gypsum.

They're working to document this place, but it's difficult, because it stays 125-150
degrees F (50-65 degrees C) and stays at 100% humidity. So, just when you thought this
place was eerie enough, back to the explanation:

In April 2000, brothers Juan and Pedro Sanchez were drilling a new tunnel when they made
a truly spectacular discovery. While Naica miners are accustomed to finding crystals, Juan and
Pedro were absolutely amazed by the cavern that they found. The brothers immediately informed
the engineer in charge, Roberto Gonzalez. Ing. Gonzalez realized that they had discovered a
natural treasure and quickly rerouted the tunnel. During this phase some damage was done
as several miners tried to remove pieces of the mega-crystals, so the mining company soon
installed an iron door to protect the find. Later, one of the workers, with the intention of
stealing crystals, managed to get in through a narrow hole. He tried to take some plastic bags
filled with fresh air inside, but the strategy didn't work. He lost consciousness and later was
found thoroughly baked.

(c) Javier Trueba / Madrid Scientific Films / madridsf@gmail.com