Wednesday, March 21, 2007

The Crystal Cave of the Giants



Continuing with the Mexico theme . . . I recently came across some impressive photos of the Crystal Cave of the Giants inside the Naica Mine just south of Chihuahua City, Mexico. The "cave," which is more than 1200 feet below the surface, was accidentally discovered in 2000 by two brothers, Juan and Pedro Sanchez, who were drilling a new tunnel inside the mine. Imagine their surprise when their machinery uncovered a vast subterranean chamber filled with the largest crystals on Earth.

Later explorations determined that there are actually two chambers inside the Crystal Cave of the Giants. One is as big as a two-bedroom apartment--the other larger than a cathedral. Both feature enormous Selenite crystals, (named for the moon goddess Selene), which often reach more than twenty feet in length. Unfortunately, most sightseers can only endure a few minutes of ogling. The two chambers can reach more than 150 degrees and have been known to "bake" those who've become stranded inside them.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeet.

Kendall said...

that is so cool do u think they got to keep some of the crystals since they found it?

Ananka said...

I think they might be a little too heavy. But it would be cool to have one in the front yard.

LittleChar said...

what about your french adventure?

LittleChar said...

Kendall why can't we look at your profile and do you have a blog by any chance?

Ananka said...

The French Adventure is coming soon!

CosimaCat said...

chihuahua, chihuahua, mexico?
it's so nice that most states' capitals are named after the states.

Apparently kendall is shy and set it to not show his/her profile. Why not?

Ananka said...

Perhaps she just wants to remain mysterious?