11.4-meter gypsum crystals found in Mexico's Naica mine
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Miners discovered 11.4-meter gypsum crystals in the Naica mine beneath Mexico's Chihuahuan Desert. Researchers from the University of Granada found the crystals grew in 54-degree low-salinity water over hundreds of thousands of years. The cave was re-flooded after the Peñoles company halted pumping in 2015.
Key Facts
- The Naica mine crystals reach 11.4 meters in length.
- Crystals grew at 54 degrees Celsius in low-salinity water over hundreds of thousands of years.
- Growth rate was one human-hair thickness per 100 years; reaching 1 meter thickness took about one million years.
- Cave temperature reached 50 degrees Celsius and humidity 90 percent; scientists could stay only 30 minutes with ice vests.
- Water bubbles inside crystals contained microorganisms dormant for 10,000 to 50,000 years.
Crystal Formation
University of Granada researchers determined the crystals grew in 54-degree low-salinity water over hundreds of thousands of years. Precise measurements showed the crystals grew only one human-hair thickness every 100 years. Reaching 1 meter thickness took approximately one million years.
Cave Conditions
After groundwater was drained, the cave recorded temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius and 90 percent humidity. Scientists could work inside for only 30 minutes while wearing ice vests. Water bubbles inside the crystals contained microorganisms dormant for 10,000 to 50,000 years. Whether these organisms are surface contaminants or ancient species remains debated.
Mine Closure
In 2015, rising groundwater levels led mine operator Peñoles to halt all pumping and mining activities indefinitely. The crystal cave is estimated to have been completely re-flooded after pumping stopped.
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