Crystal cave (Cueva de los Cristales) - is an underground crack in a mine "Naica" in southern Mexican state of Chihuahua. It contains the world's largest selenite crystals which are 50 feet long and have a 5 feet diameter. The temperature in the cave is high (almost 140 degrees Fahrenheit) and there is almost 100% humidity, so it is quite inaccessible to visitors. Lead, zinc and silver are all extracted from the mine Naica and the cave is 985 feet deep. It was found by two miners, brothers Sanchez, in 2000. They were digging a new route for a tunnel that leads to "Industrial Penoles". Thrilled with the discovery, the brothers informed the chief engineer Robert Gonzales who realized the value of the discovery and immediately changed the direction of the tunnel. Several crystals collapsed because the brothers tried to take the parts of these mega crystals so the company quickly closed the entrance with metal gates in order to protect the site.
Later, one of the workers, with the intent to steal crystals, dug a narrow passage and brought along polyethylene bags with fresh air. But all that failed because he lost consciousness and was found after a short while completely burnt.
Images source: National Geographic
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