Giant Crystal Cave

[Lynn LeFey]

Watching Nat Geo, 'Giant Crystal Cave'. Scientists are exploring the cave in Mexico with the largest gypsum crystals ever found. They can't take power tools into the sweltering heat, so a microbiologist looking for signs of life inside liquid occlusions in the giant crystals uses a Leatherman Juice's corkscrew to drill into the relatively soft crystal.

I believe it was an XE6. It was purple. I'm not sure any other model was made in that color.

More on the cave...
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/04/photogalleries/giant-crystals-cave/

And finally, the wiki article. The scientist's name is Penelope Boston, listed in this article.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cave_of_the_Crystals

[82brutus]

Those crystals aren't playing around.  Sheesh!  I guess maybe they found Superman's lair?

[nuphoria]

I remember reading about that place when they found it - truly awesome stuff.

[BIG-TARGET]

I was in a place like that in Florida many many moons ago!  The only thing missing is the bar, brass pole, pretty girls, and a big wad of cash for lap dances!!

[RT1969]

Someone should have told them about the awl on SAKs

But it is a rather ingenious use, corkscrew as an auger. I take it they did not find life inside the crystal?

[Lynn LeFey]

I did a little searching on-line, and couldn't find any articles about any finds, so I'm guessing they didn't.

[BIG-TARGET]

Those crystals aren't playing around.  Sheesh!  I guess maybe they found Superman's lair?

Reminds me of the 1960 classic"Robinson Crusoe On Mars"

[JAfromMn]

Amazing.