National Geographic News, Reporting Your World Daily

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Photo: Giant Crystal Cave's Mystery Solved


Email to a Friend	<< Back to Full Story

Mexico's Cave of Crystals contains some of the world's largest known natural crystals—translucent beams of gypsum as long as 36 feet (11 meters). A new study says the gems reached their vast sizes thanks to a peculiar combination of consistent volcanic heat and a rich watery mixture.

Photograph © Javier Trueba/Madrid Scientific Films

EMAIL NEWSLETTER Photos and News of the Week

Get the top photos and news of the week from National Geographic News, plus occasional breaking-news alerts.
See Sample >>

Please enter a valid email address

Thank You! Subscription accepted. An email confirmation will be sent.

Privacy Policy

MOST VIEWED NEWS

PHOTO IN THE NEWS: "Conjoined" Birds Puzzle Experts

Total Solar Eclipse on August 1: Where, How to See It

Russian Mystery Blast Caused by Comet, Acid Rain Hints

NEWS FEEDS

Get our news delivered directly to your desktop—free.
How to Use XML or RSS