The Crystal Cave of the Giants

Continuing with the Mexico theme . . . I recently came across some impressive photos of the Crystal Cave of the Giants inside the Naica Mine just south of Chihuahua City, Mexico. The "cave," which is more than 1200 feet below the surface, was accidentally discovered in 2000 by two brothers, Juan and Pedro Sanchez, who were drilling a new tunnel inside the mine. Imagine their surprise when their machinery uncovered a vast subterranean chamber filled with the largest crystals on Earth.

Later explorations determined that there are actually two chambers inside the Crystal Cave of the Giants. One is as big as a two-bedroom apartment--the other larger than a cathedral. Both feature enormous Selenite crystals, (named for the moon goddess Selene), which often reach more than twenty feet in length. Unfortunately, most sightseers can only endure a few minutes of ogling. The two chambers can reach more than 150 degrees and have been known to "bake" those who've become stranded inside them.