Inside Nettlebed Cave: Crystals In a Pool (Photos)
The crystals in the pool inside Nettlebed Cave are calcite crystals. Calcite is a common mineral that is found in many different environments, including caves. It is formed when calcium carbonate dissolves in water and then recrystallizes.
The crystals in Nettlebed Cave are thought to have formed millions of years ago, when the cave was first formed. The water that flowed through the cave dissolved the calcium carbonate in the rocks, and then the water evaporated, leaving behind the crystals.
The crystals in the pool are a beautiful sight to behold. They are clear and colorless, and they sparkle in the light. The pool is also home to a variety of other cave formations, including stalactites and stalagmites.Inside Nettlebed Cave
Nettlebed Cave, on Mt Arthur in Kahurangi National Park, is New Zealand’s deepest cave at 1174 metres.Hundreds of metres below the ground, far beyond where natural light has ever penetrated, a group of Kiwi cavers have discovered something small, but significant – a connection between two massive cave systems in the Arthur Mountain range of the South Island of New Zealand.
Nettlebed Cave is a limestone cave located in the Mount Arthur region of the northwest South Island of New Zealand. Nettlebed Cave was thought to be the deepest cave system in the southern hemisphere. The Nettlebed system is now 1174m of vertical (The deepest in NZ) with the discovery of a new entrance series that was recently connected, and is now the second longest passages at 38.252km.
A trip through the cave usually takes two days, and a chamber known as Salvation Hall serves as the sleepover spot. Large systems like Nettlebed took many expeditions and years to explore.
The crystal pool is a popular tourist destination, but it is only accessible to experienced cavers. The cave is located in a remote area and the hike to the entrance is challenging.
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18 August 2023
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