The poets used to call Almeria the Mirror of the Sea, but even they could never have guessed the treasure that lay hidden for centuries under the seaside cliffs.

Scientists have discovered the crystal caves of Almeria, a geological treasure that is currently being studied by several international teams of experts.

The Crystal Caves contains long gypsum prisms, some measuring eight metres or 26 feet long. Most gypsum prisms are so small they can fit into the palm of your hand.

Scientists believe that these amazing shafts of crystal hese were formed when the sea water evaporated. The process took thousands of years, compacting the crhystals until all that was left were the fantastic salt shards that glittered like diamonds in the light.

Scientists have seen nothing like it, and are excited to study it for an insight into the way the earth was shaped. It has been declared a natural phenomenon, and the government has been forced to put the place under tight 24 hour security to prevent people from stealing these rare formations.

The crystal cave was discovered by Javier Garcia Guinea, a geologist. “Bending your body between the huge crystals is an incredible sensation,” he said in an interview with BBC. “When I was young I dreamt of flying, but never to go into a geode internally covered with transparent crystals.”

Though he, like other scientists, are eager to protect the crystal cave from theft or destruction, he believes that this kind of treasure should not be kept hidden. After all, the very rarity of the find would make it of great interest to the public, and can be (if proper measure are taken) turned into a popular tourist attraction.

About 10 people can fit into the crystal cave, and experts are now studying the logistics of how to allow tours while still maintaining the integrity of the find. A few are suggesting that instead of allowing people in the cave, that they simply be given a chance to look at it from a distance. One option is to drill a hole and inser a window.