The naica project- A multidisciplinary study of the largest gypsum crystals of the world3

Abstract

The caves of Naica (Chihuahua, Mexico) are perhaps the most famous mine caves of the world due to the presence of gigantic gypsum crystals. Nevertheless, very little research has been carried out on these crystals until now. An international multidisciplinary investigation started in 2006 with the aim not only to define the genesis and the age of the Naica gypsum crystals, but also to focus other important scientific aspects of these caves and to ensure a complete documentation and knowledge of these natural wonders which will not be accessible anymore in a few couple of years. The preliminary results of this, still in progress, research allow to date the giant crystals and to define the boundary conditions and the mechanisms which induced their development. For the first time pollens have been extracted from gypsum crystals and their analyses evidenced that some 35 Ky BP the Naica climate was cooler and more humid than today.