Daily Devotional – December 22

Geology

Deep below the ground near a silver and lead mine of Chihuahua, Mexico, at the Naica Mine, two men were blasting a tunnel and discovered a cavern crammed full of colossal crystals as large as mature pine trees - 50 feet long and 4 feet across. These are the largest known crystals in the world!

These crystals were made of a mineral called selenite. The cavern’s unbearable heat measured 150 degrees Fahrenheit with 100% humidity. Geologists believe that under this cavern is a huge chamber of superheated molten rock that forced fluids rich in minerals up through the fault lines to the surface. These fluids dissolved the limestone caverns and filled some with silver, lead, and zinc deposits; others became nurseries for gypsum crystals (selenite is one variety). The selenite crystals would have grown while the fluid completely filled the cavern. Roberto Villasuso, the mine exploration superintendent, stated that these crystals probably formed within a 30-50 year period. Why such a short time and not millions of years? Because the minerals grew so evenly. If there had been any movement of water, it would have altered the crystallization patterns. The crystals’ clarity and size testify to rapid formation, not millions of years. It does not take millions of years, just the right conditions.

And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.

~ Ezekiel 1:22

Source: "Pearls in Paradise" by authors Bruce Malone and Jule Von Vett