Crystal Cave Giants in MEXICO

Naica Mine of Chihuahua, Mexico, is a working mine that is known for its extraordinary crystals. Naica is a mine of lead, zinc and silver in which large gaps have been found, containing crystals of selenite (gypsum) as long as 4 feet in diameter and feet long. The chamber containing these crystals is known as the Crystal Cave of Giants, and is approximately 1000 feet of the large amount of limestone rock in the mine. The crystals were formed by hydrothermal fluids emanating from the magma chambers below. The cavern was discovered while the miners were drilling through the fault of Naica, which were concerned that could flood the mine. The Cave of Swords is another chamber in Naica Mine, containing similar large crystals.

Naica mine was first discovered by previous search in 1794 in the south of the city of Chihuahua. They struck a vein of silver at the base of a mountain called by the Indians Naica Tarahumaras. Origin in the Tarahumara language seems to mean "shady place". Perhaps here in the small canyon there was a refugee by a small grove of the barrel spring.

Since that discovery, until around 1900, the primary interest was silver and gold. Around 1900 began mining on a large scale when the zinc and lead became more valuable.

During the Mexican Revolution the mine was producing a large amount of wealth. The revolutionary troops entered the town and demanded money from the owners. One was killed when he refused to pay, making the mine closed in 1911 to 1922.

Just before they closed the mine, the famous Cave of Swords was discovered at a depth of 400 feet. Due to the incredible crystals, it was decided to preserve this cave. While many of the crystals were collected, this is still a fascinating cave to visit. On one hand there are so many crystals on one wall, which seemed like an underwater reef moving in a gentle wave on the ocean current.

In April 2000, brothers Juan and Pedro Sanchez were opening a new tunnel when they made a truly spectacular discovery. While Naica miners were accustomed to finding crystals, Juan and Pedro were absolutely amazed by the cave they found. The brothers immediately informed the engineer in charge, Roberto Gonzalez. Mr. Gonzalez realized that they had discovered a natural treasure and quickly took a new route to the tunnel. During this phase some damage was inflicted as several miners tried to remove pieces of the mega-crystals, so the mining company soon installed a steel door to protect the find. Later, one of the workers, with the intention of stealing crystals, managed to enter through a narrow gap. He tried to take some plastic bags filled with fresh air, but the strategy did not work. He lost consciousness and was later found burnt out.

When entering the cave our group is to provide helmets, flashlights, rubber boots and gloves. One must then be carried by truck to the main mining tunnel called Rampa San Francisco. While the vertical drop is approximately 1000 feet, the road is about half a mile away. The heat steadily increases and has been observed that women are beginning to be "incandescent". The van stops in front of a wall of concrete with steel doors. The intense heat can prevent brain function. At the end of the tunnel there are three or four steps towards the opening of the cave itself. It is in this small tunnel, in this short distance the temperature and humidity will be uncomfortably warm to literally a blast furnace.

When entering the cave our group is to provide helmets, flashlights, rubber boots and gloves. One must then be carried by truck to the main mining tunnel called Rampa San Francisco. While the vertical drop is approximately 1000 feet, the road is about half a mile away. The heat steadily increases and has been observed that women are beginning to be "incandescent". The van stops in front of a wall of concrete with steel doors. The intense heat can prevent brain function.

At the end of the tunnel there are three or four steps towards the opening of the cave itself. It is in this small tunnel, in this short distance the temperature and humidity will be uncomfortably warm to literally a blast furnace.

Momentarily, the penetrating heat is forgotten as the crystals are apparent on the other side of "The Eye of the Queen. The whole scene is now on and the cave is a deep and impressive appearance of cathedral that was not visible on earlier trips with just our hand lamps.

When inside the great cathedral of crystals, the pressure of intense heat creates a spectrum of emotions and perhaps hallucinations. One can only stay there for a short period of time.

Geologists report that these natural crystal formations are incredibly complex, but simple. They have a magical or metaphysical personality independent of its chemical structure. There is a magma chamber two or three miles below the mountain and that heat from this compressed lava travels through the cracks into the area above the mine. Super hot fluids that carry the minerals the miners are seeking as well as forming the crystals. The mine is ventilated, they can not be worked. Some parties, however, are not air conditioned, such as the Crystal Cave, and there you can feel the heat from the magma below. The fluids travel through the fault of Naica, enter voids in the foundation, and then form entirely natural structures that are not easily explained scientifically.

In April 2000, the mining company concealed that the phreatic surface on the other side of the fault had been sufficiently reduced to drill.

When did this, it's almost as if a magical veil of reality was broken off and discovered a whole new world. Two caves filled with crystals larger than the Earth were immediately revealed. It is hoped that further discoveries in this magical kingdom of natural beauty.

Selenite, the gypsum crystal, named after the Greek goddess of the moon, Selene, due to its soft white light, is said to have many metaphysical and healing benefits. Selenite powder cosmetics have been used for thousands of years to enhance the natural beauty of a person. It is believed that this glass helps with mental focus, growth, luck, immunity, and soothes the emotions.