NAICA-TRASCENDENCIA
 
 


The naica caves are located in a mine, in the south of the state of chihuahua, in the north of mexico. The caves were accidentally discovered as a result of the exploration of the mine, which, in order to exploit the mineral, extracts  hot water by means of a complex pumping system. This system drained the water out of the caves, accidentally revealing an extraordinary natural treasure.

  

Large columns of selenite crystal inside.

About the Crystal Cave.

The genetic mechanism responsible for the development and formation of the macro crystals, is strictly related to the peculiar geological conditions prevailing in the Naica mine.

These macro crystals formed underwater in the area where sulphide saturated phreatic thermal waters (52°C), came in contact with oxygen-rich cold waters, naturally infiltrating from the exterior.

The surface and subsurface waters could not mix due to the density of the phreatic mineralized water; oxygen diffused into the lower layer, resulting in the oxidation of sulphide ions to sulphate which caused an extremely light over-saturation of gypsum and therefore a slow deposit. These singular conditions prevailing for hundreds of thousands of years created a mineral wonderland, a site of scientific interest and an extraordinary phenomenon.

 

In 1910, “The Cave of Swords" was discovered. This cavity consists of an approximately 87-meter-long corridor, completely covered in crystals that measured up to two meters long.

This geological system is alive and continues the crystallization process, originating small formations of various minerals, even over the surface area. It is an active system, which has filled the voids of the multi-fractured limestone rock, with selenite crystals of extraordinary shapes and sizes, such as those of the famous Crystals’ Cave.

100 years later, three other natural caves were discovered: “The Queen’s Eye,” “The Candle Cave" and the extraordinary "Crystal Cave."
 

These crystals represent the most extraordinary examples of selenite. By chance, four caves of unique characteristics and sizes have been discovered; however the system is very extensive and someday we might learn of another lucky discovery.

In 1910, at -120 meters the Swords’ Cave was discovered, a cavity along an 87 meter long corridor, completely covered by crystals up to two meters in length. From this cave the most beautiful crystals were taken to be exhibited in some of the most important museums in the world.

Almost 100 years later, in April 2000, at -290 meter level another three caverns were discovered: the “Queen’s Eye Cave”, the “Candles’ Cave” and the extraordinary “Crystals’ Cave”, a forest of mega formations, which have added a new dimension to the geology of our planet.

 

These unusual conditions created an extraordinary phenomenon of mineralization, forming gigantic crystals of pure plaster.