Into the Lost Crystal Caves
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Into the Lost Crystal Caves
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Into The Lost Crystal Caves follows a 2009 expedition into Naica, Mexico’s Giant Crystal Cave. The documentary focuses on the dangers associated with exploring the underground cave and often shows researchers struggling with the extreme conditions. One scene shows a caver in distress who ultimately survives to talk about his experience. Aside from scenes of peril, the documentary offers an interesting look at the unique cave and highlights some of the discoveries made throughout the experience.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
INTO THE LOST CRYSTAL CAVES features scientists and explorers venturing into unique crystal-filled caves located in the mining town of Naica, Mexico. The Giant Crystal Cave, which was accidentally discovered by the Industrias Peñoles mining company in 2000, is part of a system of caves beneath the mine workings of the small town. The cave, which is half a million years old and located 1000 feet underground, contains big, perfectly faced crystalline blocks of selenite and some of the largest beams of of natural crystals ever found. It's also located almost three miles above a magma chamber, making it extremely hot and deadly to explore. In 2009 cavers and scientists traveled to Mexico to navigate and study the caves, leading to some fascinating discoveries, but due to the mining company’s plans to allow the caves to reflood, it also marked the final opportunity for to learn more about this wondrous part of the Earth’s subsurface first hand.
Is It Any Good?
This documentary is both informative and intriguing. Into The Lost Crystal Caves dramatically reminds viewers of the dangers associated with the cave exploration. It reveals how technology is often no match for nature. Video from a previous expedition that captures a caver’s harrowing exit from a crevasse adds to the hearstopping adventure. It offers a rare look at one of the Earth’s most fascinating formations and shows how researchers did what they could to study it before it disappeared under the water.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what message Into The Lost Crystal Caves sends about taking risks in the name of science and discovery. Do you feel like what the cavers and scientists are doing is too dangerous or is it simply part of their job?
Why do you think Industrias Peñoles decided to let the Giant Crystal Cave fill up with water again? How can that decision affect the environment?
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 8, 2010
- Cast: Robin Ward
- Network: HBO Max
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Science and Nature
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: August 26, 2021
Our Editors Recommend
-
Expedition: Black Sea Wrecks
Historic maritime study locates amazing ancient shipwrecks.
-
Into the Inferno
Fascinating docu explores volcanoes and scientific passion.
-
Chasing Ice
Beautiful, affecting documentary about glacier retreat.
For kids who love environmental documentaries
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate