Science
Fact Checked

Where are the World's Largest Natural Crystals?

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

The largest known natural crystals in the world are in the Crystal Cave of the Giants, within Naica mine in northern Mexico. The cave is filled with selenite crystals as long as 36 ft (11 m) and weighing up to 55 tons. These crystals are so impressive that when pictures of them first hit the Internet, the vast majority of observers labeled them as fake. These natural crystals achieved their size by growing for millions of years in near-perfect conditions, submerged in mineral-rich water with a consistent and optimal temperature of 136 degrees F (58 degrees C).

The cave of natural crystals was discovered in 2000, when miners Juan and Pedro Sanchez were excavating a new tunnel in Naica mine for the Industrias Penoles company. Earlier drilling had emptied the lower reaches of the mine of water, and the miners were looking for mineral deposits in unexplored regions of the mountain. What they found was unprecedented. The engineer in charge, Roberto Gonzalez, immediately recognized the significance of the find and ordered the tunnel to be rerouted. The chamber had a temperature of 150 degrees F and had 100% humidity. Without protective gear, miners could only spend about eight minutes there.

Woman standing behind a stack of books
Woman standing behind a stack of books

Unfortunately, in the early weeks after the natural crystals were uncovered, there was damage to them as unscrupulous miners tried to carry some of them off. One miner that snuck into the cave to steal crystals brought plastic bags full of air in an attempt to lengthen the amount of time he could spend there; unfortunately for him, this strategy (predictably) failed. He passed out and was later found thoroughly baked. Soon after, the mining company installed an iron door to protect the marvelous natural crystals. Unfortunately, Mexico's laws do not protect minerals from theft, meaning that only a physical barrier can stop thieves.

The mining company that discovered the Crystal Cave of the Giants would like to develop the cave for tourism, but doing so could be difficult. At about 1000 ft (304 m) beneath the surface, the cave is deep for a public visit, plus something would have to be done about the high temperature. There is the worry that lowering the temperature to a more tolerable range might damage the crystals. To protect the cave, the idea of applying for World Heritage Site status has been floated. It may be that the cave is never opened to the public.

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllTheScience contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllTheScience contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

You might also Like

Discussion Comments

anon46825

there are a lot of different type of caves in Turkey. Especially Ballıca cave near Tokat and Ilgarini cave near Pınarbaşı-Kastamonu (which is one of the largest in the world) are very interesting in my opinion. Unfortunately I see only scarce data about caves in Turkey in foreign magazines and travel agencies.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Woman standing behind a stack of books
      Woman standing behind a stack of books