|
Jewel Cave is one of the world's longest caves. This has lead to some fascinating and important discoveries as explorers have ventured deeper into the cave. Not only has the cave provided beautiful and amazing sights, the surface of the monument has it's own beauty and story to be told. Scroll through the photo galleries below to learn more about the natural and cultural history of Jewel Cave National Monument or use the "On This Page" list to jump to a specific gallery.
Cave FormationsPhoto Gallery Calcite Crystal10 Images Calcite crystal formations at Jewel Cave. Calcite crystals can be seen coating most of the walls throughout Jewel Cave. Naturally a translucent white, calcite can be colored by the inclusion of other minerals, and may also appear brown or black from a coating of manganese. Two main crystal forms can be found at Jewel Cave - pointy Dogtooth Spar, and blunter Nailhead Spar. Photo Gallery Paleofill and Breccia11 Images Examples of Paleofill and Breccia in Jewel Cave. While the cave was forming, some voids were filled in with other material known as paleofill, including dolomite and sandstone. Paleofill in Jewel Cave often contains iron, giving it a distinctive red color. Breccia is a rock containing angular fragments of other rocks, which have been cemented back together. Photo Gallery Manganese8 Images Manganese oxide deposits in Jewel Cave. Manganese oxide is a greasy black mineral which was deposited after most of the cave formations were created. It coats floors and walls, and will permanently stain the clothing of explorers and off-trail travelers. Photo Gallery Flowstone10 Images Flowstone and draperies in Jewel Cave. Flowstone occurs when water rich in calcium carbonate flows along the walls or floor of a cave, depositing layers of calcite. Formations can look smooth and glossy, or create hanging 'curtains' and draperies. Uncommon Cave FormationsGypsum FormationsStalagmites & StalactitesSurface FeaturesCave ExplorationHistoric Photos |
Last updated: June 13, 2022