Giant crystals enjoyed perfection [Naica]

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Giant crystals enjoyed perfection [Naica]

Postby Squirrel Girl » Apr 5, 2007 2:45 pm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6518161.stm

With lengths over 11m, the giant gypsum crystals found in Mexico's Cueva de los Cristales are a great natural wonder.
Now, a Spanish-Mexican team thinks it can explain how these marvels acquired their immense form.

The scientists studied tiny pockets of fluid trapped in the crystals and conducted back-up lab experiments.

They report in the journal Geology that the solution from which the crystals grew must have been kept in a very narrow, stable temperature range.
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Postby Evan G » Apr 5, 2007 3:11 pm

With lengths over 11m, the giant gypsum crystals found in Mexico's Cueva de los Cristales are a great natural wonder.
Now, a Spanish-Mexican team thinks it can explain how these marvels acquired their immense form.

The scientists studied tiny pockets of fluid trapped in the crystals and conducted back-up lab experiments.


I still think the fluid was built in Photoshop, because I not convinced they are real until I see them for myself :grin:.
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Postby Teresa » Apr 5, 2007 4:47 pm

Believe it. I know this because I went to a rock show two weeks ago, and saw some really, really overpriced selenite of the same blue-white color and texture as all the photos. There was no big deal being made, but I looked at the label of origin and it added up to 2.

It likely wasn't from the crystal room, but from elsewhere in the mine. It is still a working mine, you know.
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Postby Squirrel Girl » Apr 5, 2007 7:06 pm

Teresa wrote:Believe it.
I thought he was just lookin' for a way to get in the caves! :waving:
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Postby Evan G » Apr 5, 2007 7:14 pm

[center]:formations: :formations: :formations: :formations: [/center]
[center] :big grin: [/center]
[center] :exploring: :exploring: [/center]
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