The Cave of Crystals in Mexico has the world’s largest selenite (gypsum) crystals about 1,000 feet below the surface in a hot cavern. Some of the crystals are over 50 tons in weight and 35 feet in length!
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Scientists that study these crystals have to wear special suits filled with ice packs along with respirators so they can stay cool and comfortable, since the air is thick with water 99% humidity and temperatures from 110-136 degrees Fahrenheit. Without these special suits, people would last only ten minutes, which means that most of the cave is still largely unexplored.
If you’re interested in these caves, look up information on the Naica Project to learn more.
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cool! thank you!
Gypsum is really soft – it’s only a 2 on the Moh’s hardness scale. You can read more about the Cave of Crystals here.
how long would it take for one of those crystals to grow?
how hard is gypsum?
cool. they are giant. achy 11