La Pulpí geode It is one of those natural wonders that we have under our feet and that, until recently, we did not know about. In fact, it was discovered in December 1999 by the Madrid Mineralogist Group.
However, it is the largest geode in the world. It is very famous Cave of Crystals from Naica, which is located in Chihuahua, the well-known state of Mexico. And, indeed, it is another true wonder created by nature. But it cannot be classified, strictly speaking, as a geode, since it is not completely covered by crystals. Next, we are going to explain everything you need to know about the Pulpí geode, but first, we must talk to you about what this phenomenon consists of.
What is a geode?
Geode formation scheme
In geology, this name is given to a generally closed and round cavity in the rock that is completely covered by crystals. The term geode itself, which comes from Greek and means "earth-like", has sparked debate about whether the drusen or similar caves, but flattened, can also be considered as such.
They can occur in any type of rock. But they usually appear in sedimentary ones or those of volcanic origin. As for his training process, it would be very long to explain it. But, broadly speaking, geodes are produced in two ways. The first occurs when, after a lava eruption, air pockets remain in the rocks. These allow groundwater to filter, which, in turn, brings minerals that settle in those holes. Regarding the second, it has its origin in cavities that remain after some of its parts have been extracted from the rock.
In both cases, the quartz It is very present in geodes. This is because it is very abundant in fluid form in the subsoil and also because it has a great capacity for crystallization and erodes very slowly.
On the other hand, there are many cavities of this type in the world. We have already mentioned the one in Naica, but they are also found in various areas of United States, Specifically California, Utah, Arizona or Indiana. We are going to show you some of them.
Other famous geodes
Crystal Cave in Naica
La Cave of Crystals It was discovered when the Naica mining site was exploited, three hundred meters deep. Its exact length is unknown, as it has not yet been sufficiently explored. This is because, without protection, You can only stay there for about ten minutes. due to its environmental conditions. Its temperature reaches 58 degrees Celsius and the relative humidity is greater than 90%.
However, they have been found in the cavity some of the largest selenite crystals in the world. The largest of them has a length of 12 meters and a diameter of four, as well as weighing 55 tons. Those responsible for the discovery of this cavity were the brothers Javier and Eloy Delgado in 2000.
Another wonder of nature is the call Crystal Cavern, which is located precisely in Utah. Its crystals are made of celestine and much smaller than in Naica, measuring around one meter. Furthermore, a good part of them were destroyed because the cave was exploited for a time in order to obtain strontium. However, today it is included in the Geode State Park and you can visit it.
On the other hand, returning to Spain, there are geodes in places such as Sickles of the Duratón River, in Segovia; in the region of La Manchuela from Albacete; in Calatayud (Zaragoza) and in the Pigeon Cave from Castellón. But it is time for us to focus on the Pulpí geode.
Characteristics of the Pulpí geode
Detail of the geode crystals
As we told you, it is the largest in the world, as it has a length of eight meters, a width of 1,8 and a height of 1,7. But the most important thing is that it is completely covered by selenite gypsum crystals. Some of them measure almost two meters and they present an impressive transparency and good state of conservation.
After a restoration process of the Rich Mine, under which it is located, the Pulpí geode opened to the public in 2019. Likewise, next to it, a visitor reception center which has been expanded in 2023.
How to visit it
Another view of the interior of the Pulpí geode
If you want to discover this wonder of nature, you will have to reserve it in advance in his web page. On the other hand, when visiting, you should know that you will not be able to bring your small children. For safety reasons, children under eight years of age are not allowed entry. Likewise, you cannot wear flip-flops or open-toed or high-heeled shoes and you will have to wear a mask for better conservation of the crystals.
On the other hand, the visit not only includes the Pulpí geode, but also You also pass through the aforementioned Mina Rica. In total, it takes an hour and a half to walk. It is not excessively difficult, since the galleries are spacious. However, you go down several flights of stairs, one of them spiral. There is an elevator, but only avoid the last one, the others must be done on foot.
Finally, taking photographs is prohibited. They are made by the guides and you can order copies at the interpretation center store. They will be emailed to your home. Regarding prices, we cannot give you exact prices because they may vary. However, when we visited, we paid 22 euros. For their part, those under 16 years of age paid 10 and retirees, large families and the disabled paid 15.
How to get to the Pulpí geode?
The geode interpretation center
The municipality of Pulpí is located in the province of Almería and the geological phenomenon that has made it famous is in the district of Pilar de Jaravia. To get to the town, you must travel along the road A-1205 and turn off onto Sierra de los Filabres street until you reach the foothills of the Sierra del Aguilón, where the geode is.
In conclusion, we have told you everything you need to know about the Pulpí geode, which is a spectacular whim of nature. We can only advise you that, if you visit it, you also come to Almería, the beautiful and historic capital of the province. Although both towns are separated by 118 kilometers, the effort is worth it. Dare to discover them.