This abandoned salt cave located in the Perm region is unique and utterly interesting. Its walls are covered with psychedelic patterns “painted” with layers of carnallite – the mineral used for production of fertilizers. Normally it is yellow, white or reddish, but sometimes it can be blue or even colorless.
Some carnallite mines are still functioning there, but most of the tunnels are closed and one may get inside only if he has a permit from the authorities. These very pictures were taken by a photographer Mikhail Mishainik, 29, who spent more than twenty hours in the amazing cave.
Carnallite mined here is used in the agricultural industry as a fertilizer. The mineral is the reason why the walls of the tunnels look this strangely and cool.
It seems that these patterns were created by men, it’s hard to believe that the author is nature itself.
By the way, apart from carnallite, chloride, magnesium and potassium can be found here.
The mine was closed due to the hazard of gas leakage and slides. Once you come down to such depth you constantly feel thirsty as the air is really dry in the cave, and absolutely lose a sense of time.
One tunnel here may be six kilometers long…
Now, THAT’S cool!
“By the way, apart from carnallite, chloride, magnesium and potassium can be found here.”
Well, carnallite is hydrated potassium magnesium chloride. It would be extremely difficult to not find those elements where the mineral is.
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