CHAPTER 1 CRYSTAL TOWERS Scientists step into the Cave of Crystals Huge columns of white crystals surround the scientists Some crystals are 36 feet 11 m tall The columns are as thick as tree trunks Scientists estimate the largest crystals weigh more than 60 tons 55 metric tons
The crystals gleam as the scientists shine their flashlights The scientists wear orange suits filled with ice packs The scientists are sweaty The Cave of Crystals is nearly 140 degrees Fahrenheit 60 C Oxygen masks wheeze It is hard to breathe in the heat The scientists have 30 minutes to gather as much information as possible After that they will need to leave the cave to cool down Discovery Under a Mountain The Cave of Crystals is in the state of Chihuahua in Mexico It lies under the Sierra de Naica mountain in the town of Naica
Scientists needed special gear to keep them cool and help them breathe in the cave
