The Enchanted Cave, with its sparkling amethyst crystals, is an awe-inspiring creation of nature. It measures 5.5 metres in width and weighs over 20,000 kilograms – equivalent to the weight of 13 cars.
The Enchanted Cave is the largest self-contained amethyst geode ever discovered on Earth. Weighing an astonishing 20 tonnes – the combined weight of both Crystal Guardians – this extraordinary natural wonder offers a rare and awe-inspiring glimpse into the hidden beauty of our planet. Unlike a full cave, self-contained geodes are traditional formations – a hollow bubble within the earth.
Around 120 million years ago, in northern Uruguay, South America, a giant bubble formed inside a molten lava flow. Over time the lava cooled and hardened and mineral rich water seeped through the hard rock exterior. The water evaporated or leeched out of the rock leaving behind tiny mineral deposits. As millions of years passed, these iron rich deposits grew slowly forming millions of beautiful lavender amethysts in a magical amethyst cave.
Hidden deep within the Earth for millennia, this awe-inspiring natural marvel was unearthed over a decade ago by a farmer in remote northern Uruguay. Crystal Castle founder Naren King and his daughter, Manya, traveled to South America with the intention of seeing and purchasing the Crystal Guardians – only to unintentionally acquire the Enchanted Cave as well. Bringing the Enchanted Cave from South America to Crystal Castle in Australia was an epic journey. Watch and read the full story below.
The extraordinary discovery of the Enchanted Cave provides a rare chance to experience a wonder usually concealed far beneath the earth’s surface. Every geode is an unknown and remains a true mystery until it is opened – then it reveals a mesmerising spectacle of nature’s artistry.
Enchanted by name, enchanted in story. The world’s largest amethyst cave really does have a tale of wonder and magic.
Over a decade ago, a farmer in remote northern Uruguay unearthed an extraordinary geode – now known as the Crystal Guardians. Crystal Castle founder Naren King and his daughter, Manya, traveled to South America to see and purchase this huge geode after hearing about its discovery.
“It’s always been my dream to have the largest crystals in the world at the Crystal Castle,” says Naren. “I went to South America with the intention of acquiring one giant crystal – the Crystal Guardians. As I was discovering their beauty, I turned around and found Manya sitting in a massive amethyst cave, completely enchanted.”
“When she said that it’s every crystal lover’s dream to sit in a crystal cave, I just had to get the Enchanted Cave too, as I knew she was right!”
The Enchanted Cave was transported from South America in a shipping container equipped with specially designed steel structures to secure it in place.
However, due to its immense weight, the geode had embedded itself into the container’s floor during transit. When attempts were made to extract it, the entire steel container slid across the ground like a matchbox.
Removing the geode required additional engineering solutions and took over six hours to complete.
You can watch the unfolding of this extraordinary scenario in the Story of Crystal Castle below.
People often ask how we managed to get this massive geode into the building where it’s now housed. The answer is that we didn’t – because we couldn’t. To provide the best possible experience for visitors to enjoy the Enchanted Cave, we had to place it in its location first and then build a custom-designed building around it.
Bringing the Enchanted Cave to Crystal Castle was a
mighty engineering feat. Watch how it happened.
