Authorities Arrest Geode Crystal Cave Vandals
Police in Spain have arrested two people for damaging the Pulpi Geode, which is one of the largest crystal caves ever found and the largest accessible geode in the world.
A geode is a nodule of stone whose cavity is lined with crystals or mineral matter. Geodes can range in size from under one centimetre to several meters in length
The “incalculable” damage to the unique and protected natural monument was carried out on New Year’s Eve, said the Spanish Civil Guard in a press release on Sunday, 20th February, and obtained by Newsflash.
And now officers have arrested two people for the crimes of trespassing and causing damage to protected natural heritage over the incident at the geode, which is located in the municipality of Pulpi in the province of Almeria in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia.
According to the Pulpi Town Council, the two suspects, whose identities have not been revealed, forced entry to the geode and caused “irreparable” and “incalculable” damage with their boots and helmets.
Authorised maintenance personnel normally carry out works on the geode without shoes or helmets to avoid damaging its crystals.
Following several weeks of investigations, the police were finally able to track down the suspected perpetrators through social media.
The suspects remain at the disposal of justice in the municipality of Huercal-Overa, also in the province of Almeria.
The Pulpi geode occupies an area of shy of 10 hectares and is eight metres long. It is the largest visitable geode in the world and is filled with giant gypsum crystals.
The crystal cave was formed an estimated six million years ago. It was discovered in 1999 and only opened as a tourist attraction a decade later.
A maximum of 12 people are allowed to visit with a guide at any one time.