One of nature's most amazing wonders is hidden in the Naica Mine in Mexico: the Crystal Cave. The cave was discovered when miners stumbled upon an unusual and mysterious chamber during routine work. The massive selenite crystal formations are astonishing and have fascinated scientists and explorers ever since.
The secrets of the Crystal Cave have only recently been discovered, although miners have known about the cave for more than a century. While searching for precious metals, they accidentally discovered cavities containing selenite crystals. The crystals formed above an underground magma chamber, in cracks in the limestone rocks.
Volcanic activity formed the Naica Mountains about 26 million years ago. As the magma erupted upward, it forced anhydrite into the cavities, which remained stable even at temperatures above 58 degrees Celsius. As the magma cooled, the anhydrite gradually dissolved, enriching the water with minerals. This is how the beautiful selenite gypsum crystals we see today were created.
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Crystal Cave is a wonderful example of the power of nature. The largest natural crystals on Earth can be found here, reaching up to 11.4 meters in height and weighing up to 12 tons. The crystal floor covered with perfectly faceted blocks enhances the surreal beauty of the view.
Thanks to uranium and thorium dating, scientists have determined that these massive crystals are about 500,000 years old. However, measurements of its growth rate suggest that it may have taken up to a million years for it to reach its current size.
a to the crystal cave Entering is not without risk. With temperatures scorching to 58 degrees Celsius (130 degrees Fahrenheit) and humidity ranging from 90 to 99 percent, the environment is extremely inhospitable. Despite these inhospitable conditions, scientists have made a remarkable discovery: long-dormant bacteria and archaea are living in the crystals. Although these microbes entered the crystals between 10,000 and 50,000 years ago, NASA researchers have managed to revive them in the lab.
As mining activity ceased, the level of the Crystal Cave gradually filled with water, preventing further exploration. Today, this natural wonder remains hidden from human eyes, keeping its secrets underground – a reminder of the incredible beauty and mystery that lies beneath our feet.
source: Science. How things work
