The Giant Crystal Cave: a Mexican Wonder Underground
The city of Chihuahua, Mexico, hides one of the world’s greatest treasures, which became a landmark for the location. In the Naica mine dozens of large crystals have been lying for over a century. Since most of the crystals weight over 55 tons, they hold a record for the largest selenite crystals in the world. Even though it’s been over 100 years since the discovery, the seemingly surreal location kept its title.
Back in the 18th century, when silver was worth a lot in Mexico, the Naica mine was discovered, when workers struck a silver vein. Later on, at the beginning of the 20th century, large scale mining began. Just before the Naica mine was officially closed in 1911, the Giant Crystal Cave was discovered. Because of it spectacular natural location, locals decided to keep it safe from being destroyed, so the cave is protected by law.
However, it wasn’t until 2000 that two researchers, Juan and Pedro Sanchez, rediscovered the cave again while searching the Naica cave; and what they saw was unforgettable. Over 900 feet underground, lies a large chamber filled with dozens of giant crystals.
Each crystal has a diameter of at least 12 feet and weights over 55 tons. Apparently, the crystals created due to the magma underground and are over 500,000 years old. In time, natural phenomena shaped them uniquely and the result is definitely amazing to anybody who gets to see them.
While the cave provides anyone with a once-in-a-lifetime view, staying there is nearly impossible without the proper equipment. The average temperature in the main chamber is 58 degrees Celsius(136.4), which may cause death for anyone, who stays there longer than 10 minutes. The humidity and warmth in Crystal Cave in Mexico is so high that if a person stays inside for too long, the condensation of fluid in their lungs can lead to suffocation. On top of that, climbing the crystals is quite difficult, which is why the cave can be visited only with specialists nearby.
The legend says that selenite, which is gypsum crystal, provides people with healing benefits and makes people, who touch them look younger. The Greek goddess of the moon, named Selenite, offered luck and emotional stability, which is why the Giant Crystal Cave is thought to be not only a spectacular, unique place, but also a magical one.
Submitted by Hamid Bagha. Thank you
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Naica Cave of the Crystals, Chihuahua, Mexico (restricted mine-area reference)
- Access
- The Cave of the Crystals is inside the private Naica mine and is not open to tourists. Mine owner Industrias Peñoles says the mine was closed indefinitely after flooding in 2015; the American Chemical Society reports the route to the cave closed when flooding overwhelmed the pumps. Do not attempt to enter the mine or seek an informal visit.
- Admission
- No public admission or visitor tickets are offered; this is a closed private mine, not a free attraction.
- Time needed
- No on-site visitor duration applies because the cave is closed to visitors. No authorized visitor itinerary is published.
- Best season
- There is no visitor season: the cave is closed to the public. Do not travel to the mine expecting a tour.
- Opening hours
- No visitor hours are published. The Cave of the Crystals is within the Naica mine and is closed to visitors; no public entry is available.
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-29
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