Crystal removal from caves - highlighted in Descent

The removal of crystals from caves in Malaysia is a continuing problem. I have blogged about it earlier in 2014 and also in 2011. I also wrote a small piece in the international caving magazine Descent, published in England, issue 223.

Now I have had another piece published in Descent 239, Aug/Sept 2014 :

© Liz Price
No reproduction without permission

Doomed Cave crystal chamber, Gunung Lanno

Early May 2014 a crystal chamber was exposed after the limestone hill had been blasted. As the hill will be removed later on, I was lucky enough to have the chance to photograph the chamber on 11th May.

The single chamber, which we named Doomed Cave, is located at Gunung Lanno, Simpang Pulai, south of Ipoh, Perak. The chamber is in a single rock pillar. I had actually photographed the pillar in 2001 (photos not shown here as they are on private property).

This is a 2011 view

2014 views

The cave entrance

A ladder had already been put in place

Inside was a stunningly beautiful crystal chamber

 Looking up at the ceiling

The crystals were translucent

 There were an amazing number and variety of helictites -

 

There were 'huge' crystals, in fact much of the floor was a crystal 'ledge'

 The crystal stal was damaged when a piece of roof fell due to the blasting

View from the cave

And this will be the final result

I was able to pay another visit before blasting on 19 May and took a quick video of the cave -

 

© Liz Price
No reproduction without permission

 

 

Stealing cave crystals for a gallery

The removal of crystals from caves in Malaysia is widespread. I blogged about this in October 2011.
There is no protection for the caves. In fact the removal of crystals and speleothems is encouraged in the northern states as it provides an income for the locals who can then sell the crystals themselves outside the cave, or sell them on to a 'middle man'. There have even been documentaries on TV about this. See more on my Caves of Malaysia page.

The Star on 28 Feb 2014 published an article "Treasures from the cave", which described how a man in Penang has amassed cave crystals over 10 years, from northern Malaysia, and is now displaying them in a gallery and charging an entrance fee.

I wrote a letter to The Star and it was published on 4 March :

Letters

Published: Tuesday March 4, 2014            

Reaping profit from 'stolen' treasures

I WAS sad to read “Treasures from the cave” (The Star, Feb 28) about the new crystal gallery in Penang.
The article mentioned how the collection of crystals from caves was amassed over 10 years and all from the northern region of peninsula Malaysia.
The cave crystals found in stalactites and stalagmites took millions of years to form. Once removed, they will not be replaced.
Despite what the article said, they are beautiful in their natural setting in the cave and they all contribute to the attraction of the cave formations.
In many countries, removing speleothems such as stalactites and crystals from caves is a serious offence.
Sadly, Malaysia has no such protection for its caves.
It fact it is almost encouraged, especially in the northern states.
This is akin to stealing from Mother Nature, and then charging people to see the stolen goods.

LIZ PRICE
Kuala Lumpur

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I have also archived it on my website.

Crystal theft from caves

Crystal theft from Malaysian caves is getting common. It is also a problem in other southeastern countries such as Philippines and also China. See more on my caves site.

Stals are also being removed in Malaysia, but I think on a far smaller scale compared to crystals. I think the rampant removal of crystals is due to the number of crytal shops opening everywhere. Although they sell highly expensive imported crystals, they also sell calcite, and may even pretend that the calcite crystals are something else, i.e. more valuable.

Crystals from a quarry

Crystals on sale at Kong Fook Ngam temple, near Ipoh

The worst places for crystal removal are caves in Kedah and Perlis. There have been a few TV documentaries which seem to show this in a good light as it provides income for the villagers and attracts tourists.

Stals on display at Sunway Lagoon

See more on Crystal Cave.

© Liz Price
No reproduction without permission