Giant Crystal Cave

Mexico's Cueva de los Cristales (Cave of the Crystals) contains some of the worlds largest crystals. Located near Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico,  you will find beams of gypsum as long as 36 feet.  The cave is  hot with  temperatures as high as 136 degrees and up to 99 percent humidity.  Specialized protection suits most be worn if one is to visit the cave more than 10 minutes.  The crystals were created via a magma chamber below the cave. The magma heated ground water leaving it saturated with minerals. The hollow caves were filled with hot mineral water for about 500,000 years.  The temperature was stable and the crystals continued to grow.  The cave was discovered in 2000 by workers of a mining company while drilling. Currently the caves are accessible as the water is continuously being pumped out of the caves.  Unfortunately, the crystals deteriorating in the air.  Eventually the water will again be allowed to flow and the cave will be forever sealed.