Alumni Chapter

North Texas Chapter: Giant Crystal Caves in Nacia, Mexico

Friday, March 22, 2019
6:00 p.m.
Dallas, TX

Leela Hutchinson was one of the first explorers to enter the Giant Crystal Cave of selenite (gypsum) in Naica, Mexico in January 2001. These colossal pylons of selenite crystals are located nearly 1,000 feet down inside a 200-year-old working silver mine in the village of Naica, Chihuahua in the Tarahumara Sierra Madre Mountains. The Giant Crystal Cave was discovered in April of 2000 by two miners assigned the task of drilling into bedrock searching for a vein of silver, lead and zinc. The cave contains what are believed to be the largest selenite crystals on Earth – measuring up to 40 feet in height, weighing as much as 55 tons, and estimated to be 500,000 years old.
 
The condition inside the caves is considered to be one of the most hostile environments on Earth, with extreme temperatures more than 125 °F and almost 100 percent humidity. It is nearly impossible to remain conscious for more than 30 minutes without protective gear and clothing from the intensity of heat and humidity. Hutchinson’s group was able to explore two caves without any protection, unaware of the high risks involved.

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