The Mind-Blowing And Aesthetic Appeal Of The Russian Salt Mine

Underneath the Russian industrial city of Yekaterinburg is an abandoned salt mine. You can find it 650 feet below the surface.

The walls, ceilings and floors of the salt mine are covered with stunning psychedelic patterns in swirls of yellow, red, gold and blues. These are caused by natural layers of a mineral called carnallite, which is a source of magnesium and primarily used in developing fertilizers, according to Visual News.

A Russian salt mine. pic.twitter.com/XEnE9BKCOo

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Mikhail Mishainik, a photographer who explored and described the salt mine said that that the mines are huge and stretch many kilometers in length and width. He added that a single tunnel can be over four miles long. He further said that it is hard to describe how it feels being so far down, you can lose all track of time and the air is very dry. You will always feel thirsty, said Mishainik.

A few hundred feet below the Russian city of Yekaterinburg is an abandoned salt mine of indescribable,... https://t.co/NPiFvu8uYx — CSGlobe (@CSGlobe) February 22, 2016

The Russian adventurer continued describing this salt mine that looks like a colorful maze. He said that the air is filled with small particles of salt. If Mishainik and his companions didn't have their torches then it would be pitch black.

Awesome visuals: This Russian salt mine will make you think you're in "Alice in Wonderland." https://t.co/u07Jwv29Pp pic.twitter.com/1CgFDx5oe0

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He further explained that they take their safety very seriously. This is because it also signals dangers underneath this enclosed walls of salt mine. Mishainik said that there is a possibility of a gas leak from chemicals such as hydrogen sulphide carbon dioxide, methane and risk of landslide. On the other hand, he said that the danger element is part of the fun and it's a special feeling being somewhere very few people have seen, according to Daily Mail.

A Russian city called Yekaterinburg is host to a magnificent abandoned salt mine that’s beauty is literally out... https://t.co/xUTaJe4Bha — Unanimous (@UnanimousReport) April 6, 2016