Cave dubbed 'world's most breathtaking secret' could kill you within minutes
A remarkable geological marvel located at the heart of our planet has been dubbed the "best kept and most breathtaking secret on the planet" - but visiting it would be a deadly risk. The hostile underground cavern, known as the Cave of the Crystals, is situated in Chihuahua, Mexico.
Broadcaster Michael Usher, who negotiated for two years to gain access, described it as "mother nature's Sistine Chapel" that is "almost something from out of space". The cave, filled with spectacular crystals weighing up to 55 tonnes and reaching 11 metres in height, lies 300 metres beneath a lead mine in the town of Naica.
The crystal-filled chamber was only discovered in 2000 when miners stumbled upon it during drilling operations. The cave, shaped like a horseshoe, extends for 110 metres. Despite its mesmerising interior, lingering there too long could prove fatal.
Recently, 60 Minutes Australia reissued a video showing their reporter being granted rare access, where he stated: "The furnace-like heat and soaring humidity can kill you in minutes. But when you see what I saw - you will see why it was worth every suffocating gasp for breath."
Humans are not designed to survive in 58Cheat coupled with stifling humidity. Before Michael descended into the cave, an accompanying doctor warned: "This is going to be the harshest environment that you and I are ever going to come across in our life. So I am excited but a little anxious."
The crystals were described as "the most spectacular anywhere in the word" with Michael saying he was "literally blown away" by the beauty of it.
Also present was British geologist Dougal Jerram who marvelled at what he was seeing, saying it was the stuff of make believe while comparing it to something you would see in a Walt Disney production.
However, despite the scenery, the trio were soon sweating profusely, comparing the feeling to like running a marathon. The humidity is at a perilous 90% and people aren't allowed to stay more than 10 minutes, even with specially-designed cooling suits.
The doctor said they were essentially being cooked from the inside and the geologist added: "It is a remarkable place but it is so overpowering in terms of its attack on you in the environment. You are in this kind of constant battle of being overpowered physically, mentally and psychologically in every way."
Struggling for breath, they soon left the cave, and were left to reflect on what they witnessed. The crystal cave they explored was first formed some 26 million years ago when magma rose from the reservoir, which, according to Live Science, pushed mineral-rich waters up through cracks in the rock.
This opened up caverns in the limestone before the deposits were crystalised over thousands of years.
Following his visit to the "enormous" natural wonder, roughly the size of a football pitch, geologist Dougal was left in awe, stating: "Oh, this is truly one of the most... if we were to list seven geological wonders of the world, this is definitely one of them."
Due to its perilous nature, scientists are required to obtain a special permit to explore the Cave of the Crystals, and it remains strictly off-limits to tourists.
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