Cave crystals

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On the walls and ceiling of some caves there are cave crystals of various autochthonous minerals: calcite, aragonite, gypsum and halite. Among the crystallite formations are especially interesting calcite, aragonite and gypsum flowers (anthodites) in the form of bundles and rosettes of crystals, sometimes reaching several centimeters in length. At present, they are found exclusively in dry parts of caves.

Their origin is obviously connected, on the one hand, with the crystallization of carbonate of condensation drops, and on the other hand, with the corrosion of karst rocks by condensation waters. As studies have shown, these are predominantly ancient formations.

They were formed in other, different from the present, hydrological and microclimatic conditions. There are also modern forms. Of course, many of the crystals are very expensive. Along with anthodites there are interesting brushes of calcite, aragonite, gypsum and halite crystals covering significant areas of cave walls and ceilings.

Such crystal galleries are noted in many underground cavities of the USSR (Kryvchenskaya, Krasnaya, Divya, etc.).