Buried deep beneath the Sierra de Naica Mountain in Chihuahua, Mexico, is a cave packed with some of the most massive natural crystals on the planet. Named simply the Cave of the Crystals or Giant Crystal Cave, this otherworldly cavern is as beautiful as it is dangerous.
Towering cloudy-white selenite gypsum crystals jut out from the ceiling, floor, and walls of the Giant Crystal Cave. The tallest crystal stands 11.4 m tall! Unfortunately, this subterranean spectacle is not open to tourists.
The cave is a hot and humid death trap, with air temperatures soaring to 58 degrees Celsius and 90 to 99 percent humidity. Even with cooling suits, scientists can only stay in the cave for 60 minutes at maximum. Without proper protection, people can only endure about 10 minutes of exposure.
Roughly 26 million years ago, magma rose through the earth, forming a mountain and forcing hot, mineral-rich waters into gaps in the mountain’s limestone. As these waters gradually cooled over thousands of years, gypsum crystals formed, slowly growing to the astounding sizes they are today.
Hannah Kim For The Junior Times
1. Where is the Cave of the Crystals located, and what makes it remarkable?
2. What is the composition of the crystals in the Giant Crystal Cave, and what is the height of the tallest crystal mentioned in the passage?
3. Why is the Giant Crystal Cave not open to tourists, according to the passage?
1. Discuss the significance of the Cave of the Crystals in Chihuahua, Mexico, and how its unique features contribute to its otherworldly beauty.
2. Reflect on the geological processes that led to the formation of the gypsum crystals in the cave. How does the passage of time play a crucial role in the development of such natural wonders?
3. Debate the decision to keep the cave closed to tourists. What are the potential risks and benefits of allowing or restricting access to natural wonders like the Giant Crystal Cave?
4. Explore the challenges scientists face in studying the Giant Crystal Cave due to its extreme environmental conditions. How might these challenges impact scientific research in the cave?
Buried deep beneath the Sierra de Naica Mountain in Chihuahua, Mexico, is a cave packed with some of the most massive natural crystals on the planet. Named simply the Cave of the Crystals or Giant Crystal Cave, this otherworldly cavern is as beautiful as it is dangerous.
The cave is a hot and humid death trap, with air temperatures soaring to 58 degrees Celsius and 90 to 99 percent humidity. Even with cooling suits, scientists can only stay in the cave for 60 minutes at maximum. Without proper protection, people can only endure about 10 minutes of exposure.
