The Worlds Largest Gypsum Crystals, Naica, Mexico
Research Paper
The World 's Largest Gypsum Crystals
A mile below one of Mexico 's most important lead and silver mines, and a few miles above the earth 's magma lies a magnificent Geological Wonder. It Is Known As “The Cave Of Crystals." It contains the largest gypsum crystals known in the world to date. The cave was discovered in 2000 by two brothers drilling 1000 feet below the ground while working for Penoles mining company (Garcia-Ruiz et al.). Man and mining have had a negative impact on the crystals, and should be held accountable for the future fate of this geological wonder. We must prevent its destruction, and benefit from the knowledge that science can gain studding this unique treasure. Cave mineralogy is a fairly new field of study that will continue to grow and earn a prestigious place in the larger scientific community. This find is the most important geological discovery made in our lifetime.
This phenomenon merits a description. Growing up from the floor, the enormous crystals mirror columns of light, perfectly transparent and luminous. Among the giants is a prismatic shaped crystal measuring 11 m long. Many perfectly formed shards up to a meter in size sparkle and shimmer across the ceiling and walls. It is a magical place, described as a surreal fantasy world (London, 25).
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In Northern Mexico, about 100km, southeast of the city Chihuahua lies the Naica Mine. It has been operated by the Penoles mining company since 1952. They are the largest producers of lead and silver in Mexico, along with the production of zinc. The opening to the mine is on the North side of the Sierra de Naica, which according to scientific data lies above three known faults, the Gibraltar, Naica and the Montana. These faults still control the rise of thermal fluids. Hydrothermal circulation is responsible for the location of mineral deposits. Many years ago, tectonic stressors created cavities inside the aquifer; one of these caves today is called “The
The World 's Largest Gypsum Crystals
A mile below one of Mexico 's most important lead and silver mines, and a few miles above the earth 's magma lies a magnificent Geological Wonder. It Is Known As “The Cave Of Crystals." It contains the largest gypsum crystals known in the world to date. The cave was discovered in 2000 by two brothers drilling 1000 feet below the ground while working for Penoles mining company (Garcia-Ruiz et al.). Man and mining have had a negative impact on the crystals, and should be held accountable for the future fate of this geological wonder. We must prevent its destruction, and benefit from the knowledge that science can gain studding this unique treasure. Cave mineralogy is a fairly new field of study that will continue to grow and earn a prestigious place in the larger scientific community. This find is the most important geological discovery made in our lifetime.
This phenomenon merits a description. Growing up from the floor, the enormous crystals mirror columns of light, perfectly transparent and luminous. Among the giants is a prismatic shaped crystal measuring 11 m long. Many perfectly formed shards up to a meter in size sparkle and shimmer across the ceiling and walls. It is a magical place, described as a surreal fantasy world (London, 25).
[pic]
In Northern Mexico, about 100km, southeast of the city Chihuahua lies the Naica Mine. It has been operated by the Penoles mining company since 1952. They are the largest producers of lead and silver in Mexico, along with the production of zinc. The opening to the mine is on the North side of the Sierra de Naica, which according to scientific data lies above three known faults, the Gibraltar, Naica and the Montana. These faults still control the rise of thermal fluids. Hydrothermal circulation is responsible for the location of mineral deposits. Many years ago, tectonic stressors created cavities inside the aquifer; one of these caves today is called “The
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