Nestled within the White Desert, approximately 120 km from the Farafra Oasis and 160 km from the Bahariya Oases, lies the magnificent Crystal Mountain. This extraordinary geological wonder is one of the rarest mountains in the world, boasting over 12 types of crystals clustered together in a massive mountain mass.
Formed during the Oligocene age, some 33 million years ago, this hill is a subvolcanic vault that emerged over time. Often referred to as the Jewel of the Desert, Crystal Mountain is primarily composed of quartzite crystals that shimmer beautifully under the sun’s rays.
Interestingly, this natural phenomenon was discovered quite by chance a few decades ago, as locals had been using the minerals to construct a nearby road. When scientists realized the uniqueness of this place, Crystal Mountain was designated a protected area, and today, it is a must-visit destination for desert tours.