01

Tandridge Yew

42.3%

England, Surrey

10.92 m (at the ground level, 2013, 1.)

It seems that Tandridge Yew has the largest girth of all the yew trees in the United Kingdom. The current tree, though, is not exactly the original tree – the main trunk of it fell down centuries ago. Back then there developed many sprouts from the stump. As the centuries rolled by, sprouts turned each into a large tree and then they fused together, forming a single tree of giant size.

02

Yew at Norbury All Saints’ Church

38.8%

England, Shropshire

10.72 m (at the ground level, 2016, 2.)

This beautiful tree is in an excellent condition – a true wonder for a tree of this size! The circumference is measured at the ground level as further up it becomes wider.

03

Kenn Yew

38.8%

England, Devon

10.56 m (at the ground level, 1999, 2.)

A beautiful tree in the churchyard. This tree is healthy, but it divides into two parts and has a huge hollow.

04

The largest yew at Bettws Newydd St Aeddan’s Church

38.3%

Wales, Monmouthshire

10.5 m (at the ground level, 2017, 4.)

There are two giant yew trees at St Aeddan’s church – the largest has a circumference of 10.5 m, but the other one – 7.15 m. The largest is unusual: it has a dead wood shell around a hollow and a younger tree rising from this hollow.

05

Crowhurst Yew, Surrey

42.3%

England, Surrey

10.24 m (at 1.3 m height, 2023, 5.)

If this is possible (because all the listed trees are exceptional), Crowhurst Yew is the most impressive tree in this list. The tree is healthy in spite of human actions in the past. In the first half of the 19th century a festive room was made inside the tree and a door was added. A fairy tale tree!

06

Yew at Llanafan Fawr St Afan’s Church

34.0%

Wales, Powys

10.16 m (at the ground level, 2015, 6.)

This giant tree divides into several branches – thus it is measured at the ground level. Yew has a giant hollow – one can enter it.

07

Yew at Llanarth St Teilo’s Church

34.3%

Wales, Monmouthshire

10.06 m (at 0.5 m height, 2017, 7.)

The trunk of this gorgeous tree to some extent resembles a giant pumpkin with an enormous hollow. Inside the enormous hollow grows a younger trunk – an aerial root. Numerous larger and smaller branches and trunks rise from it.

08

Yew at Loughton Church, Shropshire

34.3%

England, Shropshire

10.06 m (1986?, 8.)

This beautiful yew tree has a single trunk with an enormous hollow. The tree is not high, its trunk is distorted, with bulges, ribs, countless twigs. Most likely, the tree is larger now! It is one of the trees with a measured age: Loughton Yew is definitely older than 1000 years.

09

Defynnog Yew

39.8%

Wales, Powys

10.06 m (at the ground level, 2014, 9.)

This tree has a complex trunk that, nevertheless, at the ground level still is a single trunk. There are many discussions about the age of Defynnog Yew, some consider that it is even 5000 years old. Most likely, the tree is much younger… if something that is more than 1000 years old, can be called “young”.

10

Ulcombe Old Yew

40.8%

England, Kent

10.03 m (at the ground level, 2013, 10.)

Ulcombe churchyard has the luxury of having two especially large yew trees. The “New Yew” has a circumference of 9.63 m but the “Old Yew” is even larger – 10.03 m. We can be (almost) sure that the tree grew there before the construction of the 13th century church.

A

The Fortingall Yew

34.5%

Scotland, Perth and Kinross

17.2 m (in the 17th century)

The legendary Fortingall Yew is far north of any other giant yew trees. According to legends, Pontius Pilate (somehow…) was born near it. In the 18th century, the tree had a circumference of 15 – 17 metres! Today the yew has divided into two separate trees and one can only try to imagine the former giant.

B

Ashbrittle Yew

38.8%

England, Somerset

12.17 m (at the ground level, around a group of trunks, 2015, 1.)

Ashbrittle yew now looks like a group of several trees consisting of a central, hollowed stem (circumference – 4.9 m) with 6 other stems. Long ago the trunk of the tree became hollow and then the giant trunk fragmented.

C

Ciliau Aeron Yew (southern tree)

30.5%

Wales, Ceredigion

11.58 m (at the ground level, around a group of trees, 2014, 2.)

This yew tree has multiple trunks now and looks rather like a stand of closely located trees and shrubs. Most likely, this is an ancient yew tree that over the time has split and divided into new trees.

D

Discoed Yew

40.5%

Wales, Powys

11.28 m (at 0.9 m height around multiple trunks, 1994, 3.)

Popular belief is that Discoed Yew is 5000 years old, but, most likely – not that much. Now it does not have a single, massive trunk anymore. The central trunk has died long ago and several parts have been resprouted and are marking its outer rims – most likely, extending the size of the original trunk.

E

Yew at Breamore St Mary’s Church

41.8%

England, Hampshire

10.82 m (at 0.6 m height around multiple trunks, 2012, 4.)

A magnificent, very impressive tree, a feast for the eyes. The middle of its trunk is gone. The crown of the tree is supported now by a ring of more than 10 smaller trunks. The former hollow now is similar to a hill of tree roots.

F

Llangernyw Yew

40.3%

Wales, Conwy

10.75 m (at the ground level height around multiple trunks, 2012, 5.)

This magnificent tree grows in an ancient site – nearby are standing stones and a much later building – 13th-century church. The yew has lost its core. Now there remain several large parts of the original tree that look like separate stems now. Despite its ancient age, the tree is vital and green.

G

Llanerfyl Yew

32.8%

Wales, Powys

10.67 m (around all four trunks, 1998, 6.)

For some time there was a discussion about whether this ancient tree is a group of several trees or a single tree that divided into several trunks after the central part of the old trunk died away. DNA analysis though shows that these trunks belong to a single organism. According to a legend, this tree was planted 1400 years ago.

H

Yew tree (No.3.) at Ystradfellte St. Mary’s Church

35.3%

Wales, Powys

10.67 m (around two trunks, 1998, 7.)

In the site of this former giant tree now is one smaller trunk with a circumference of 4.1 m. The measurement is made around a purported body of a former tree that was divided into several stems later. The other stem was cut in the 1990ies and now almost nothing shows the enormous size of the former tree.

I

Payhembury Yew

36.7%

England, Devon

10.62 m (at the ground level around the four separate trunks, 1998, 8.)

It is rather well discernible that the four current trunks of Payhembury Yew belong to a single plant, a male tree. The central part of the tree a long time ago hollowed out and was gradually lost. The individual trunks are 4 m, 3.9 m, 3.4 m, and 2.7 m in circumference.

J

Ancient yew in Clun

27.3%

England, Shropshire

10.42 m (around the traces of the ancient trunk, 1998, 9.)

The tree today looks rather insignificant: it consists of several larger sprouts that grew out from the trunk of the former giant yew tree. The old trunk of this tree collapsed long ago – it, most likely was as old as the nearby Saxon church or even older. New wood developed over three fragments of the ancient trunk, gradually developing multiple twigs and now, in 2020ies it is nearly impossible to measure this chaos.

01

Wakulla Spring

45.3%

Artesian spring

17,437 l/s (2004-2009) (1.)

One of the largest springs worldwide and it is also a part of one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world. Water of this spring would be sufficient for the daily needs of some 10 million people.

02

Alapaha Rise

39.8%

River rise

16,260 l/s (Oct 2012 – Oct 2016) (2.)

The most powerful river rise in the United States, there rises the nearby river water.

03

Santa Fe River Rise (Santa Fe Rise)

32.8%

River rise

14,511 l/s (1998-2014) (2.)

The largest single spring in the United States, a rise of the nearby river water.

04

St Marks River Rise

38.8%

River rise

12,800 l/s (1956-2017) (3.)

As it is usual with many Floridan rivers, St Marks River sometimes disappears underground to emerge on the surface shortly after. The last such rise before entering into the Gulf of Mexico is St Marks River Rise.

05

Nutall Rise in Aucilla River

29.3%

River rise

10 200 l/s (December 2001) (4.)

A resurgence of Aucilla River after a short underground segment. This is the last river rise on the Aucilla River – but there are many more upstream.

06

Steinhatchee Rise

28.3%

River rise

9 910 l/s (1999) (5.)

Steinhatchee River flows for some 600 meters under the ground and then resurfaces as a giant spring. This resurgence is Steinhatchee Rise.

07

Spring Creek Springs

34.8%

Group of subaquatic artesian springs

8,683 l/s (1996) (6.)

This is not a very clear case of first magnitude spring, because there are several powerful springs and it is very complicated to measure each of them separately. Most of the Spring Creek Springs – a group of 14 powerful springs – are below the sea level.

08

Silver Springs

47.7%

Artesian spring

8,410 l/s (2003-2007) (7.)

One of the most powerful springs with a single main vent, a well known natural monument that has been developed as a resort. It was the top attraction in Florida before Disneyland.

09

Treehouse Spring

29.0%

Possible river rise

7,875 l/s (1998-2023) (2.)

Treehouse Springs have two spring vents close together, each of them connected to its own large cave system. Here is measured the largest of these two vents, one of the most powerful springs in Florida. Since 2015 its mean output has been over 11,000 liters per second!

10

Holton Creek Rise

30.0%

River rise

6,350 l/s 1998-2023( (2.)

Holton Creek Rise is a whole river that rises from the underground. This is one of resurgences of Alapaha River.

11

Devils Ear Spring (Devil’s Ear Spring)

35.3%

Artesian spring

5,850 l/s (2001, 4.)

A gorgeous and unusual natural landmark. This giant spring beats from the bottom of Santa Fe River from a fracture in limestone.

12

Lime Sink Spring

30.0%

Possible river rise

4,906 l/s (1995?) (8.)

This spring is the end of a giant underwater cave system. Lime Sink Spring is a very inconsistent spring: sometimes it erupts gargantuan amounts of tannic water, frequently the ravine is dry and, during the floods in the nearby Suwannee River the spring may reverse and turn into a sink: the water can flow into it.

13

Rainbow Springs, 6th and 7th springs

42.8%

Artesian spring

4,730 l/s (middle 1990ies) (9.)

The whole system of Rainbow Springs includes at least 87 separate spring vents. This is one of the most gorgeous springs in Florida – and there is quite a a competition! The most powerful are rather closely located 6th and 7th spring vents. The data, though, is old and there is rather a high chance that springs are weaker now.

14

Weeki Wachee Springs

40.4%

Artesian spring

4,434 l/s (2000-2012) (10.)

Weeki Wachee Springs are famous because for more than 70 years there operates a unique underwater show of mermaids. This is a gorgeous, very powerful spring with a single vent.

15

Manatee Spring

40.0%

Artesian spring

4,262 l/s (Jan 2001-Sep 2023) (2.)

A gorgeous spring that serves as a refuge for manatees. One of the most visited springs in Florida.

16

Volusia Blue Spring

41.8%

Artesian spring

3,820 l/s (2007-2017) (11.)

A gorgeous spring. The spring basin is cut with up to 38 m deep fissure and above it is seen a bulge of upcoming water. The force of the spring, though, has somewhat decreased over the last decades.

17

Columbia Spring (Columbia Rise)

32.0%

Part artesian spring, part river rise

3,819 l/s (1998 – May 2023) (2.)

One of the rare fully natural springs with a small fragment of Floridan wilderness around it. This spring seems to have a mixed source from an underground river flow and clean artesian water.

18

Rainbow Springs, 4th spring

42.8%

Artesian spring

3,625 l/s (middle 1990ies) (9.)

The 4th vent in the gorgeous Rainbow springs is a convincing 1st magnitude spring, it is located rather close to the giant system of 1st, 2nd and 3rd springs. Similar to other Rainbow Springs, the data, though, is old and there is rather a high chance that this spring is weaker now.

19

Siphon Creek Rise

30.8%

River rise

3,398 l/s (2001) (12.)

This river rise has formed in an unusual location, where Santa Fe River goes underground in a mighty siphon and rises above the ground in several river rises. Siphon Creek Rise is the most powerful of these river rises.

20

Rainbow Springs, 1st, 2nd and 3rd springs

42.8%

Artesian spring

3,625 l/s (middle 1990ies) (9.)

The first three vents of Rainbow Springs form a powerful 1st magnitude spring. Futher along the stream are two more 1st magnitude spring systems. Similar to other Rainbow Springs, the data, though, is old and there is rather a high chance that this spring is weaker now.

21

Troy Spring

42.3%

Artesian spring

3,270 l/s (March 2002-September 2015) (2.)

Troy Spring is a typical major spring of Florida with a basin of lucid artesian water. This spring, though, has interesting history, including a wreck of 19th century steamship that sunk during the Civil War.

22

Chassahowitzka Main Spring

41.8%

Artesian spring

2,945 l/s (2001?) (13.)

The whole group of the beautiful Chassahowitzka Springs has a discharge of 4,360 l/s, but the most powerful is Chassahowitzka Main Spring. Chassahowitzka Springs form a gorgeous, 8 km long river with unbelievably clear water.

23

Alexander Spring (Alexander Springs)

40.0%

Artesian spring

2,908 l/s (1982-2014) (14.)

A gorgeous spring in idyllic subtropical forest. This is one of the cleanest springs in Florida, also an important archaeological site.

24

Crescent Beach Submarine Spring

30.3%

Subaquatic spring

Unknown, but very large (15.)

A very powerful freshwater (almost freshwater) spring that is unusually far from the coast – 3.9 km. Formally this is not a 1st magnitude spring, but there is little doubt that it belongs in this list.

25

Madison Blue Spring

41.5%

Artesian spring

2,763 l/s (April 2002 – September 2023) (1.)

Enchanting, gorgeous spring, voted as the best swimming hole in the whole USA. Earlier the spring was more powerful and was a 1st magnitude spring.

26

Hornsby Spring

41.5%

Artesian spring

2,755 l/s (1998 – 2023) (2.)

For some years Hornsby Spring almost stopped but since around 2015 this again is a giant spring. Most of its water descends into the Hornsby Spring Cave System soon after. Most likely, in 1-2 years this spring will be a convincing 1st magnitude spring.

27

Blue hole Spring in Ichetucknee Springs

35.5%

Artesian spring

2,695 l/s (February 2002 – September 2023) (2.)

The most powerful spring in Ichetucknee Springs, and – most likely – also the most beautiful one. Even after the penetration of 11 m deep spring pool the spring discharge creates a bulge on the surface.

28

Silver Glen Springs

38.5%

Artesian spring

2,577 l/s (2004-2023) (4.)

One of the cleanest major springs in Florida. It has two vents (discharge is a sum of both) and, even if this is not a 1st magnitude spring, it is very powerful. A settlement was located next to the springs some 5,600 years ago and impressive shell mounds were around it earlier.

29

Lafayette Blue Spring

34.5%

Artesian spring

2,126 l/s (1998-2015) (2.)

This powerful spring comes from the 6,096 m long Blue Spring-Green Sink Cave System. A natural limestone bridge spans the spring pool.

30

Fanning Spring

37.8%

Artesian spring

1,921 l/s (2001-2023) (2.)

Earlier this spring was a convincing 1st magnitude spring, but now its output is decreasing. It is also increasingly polluted, but still a beautiful place, a popular swimming hole.

31

Santa Fe Spring

32.5%

Part river rise, part artesian spring

1,689 l/s (1997-2023) (2.)

This spring was more powerful earlier but now its output decreases due to the water extraction in this area. Now it even stops during the droughts and frequently its water has a tannic brown color, similar to a river water.

32

Falmouth Spring

30.3%

Karst window

1,553 l/s (1997-2023) (2.)

This is a 137 m long section of a collapsed cave with a “spring” in one end and a dangerous syphon in the other end.

33

Jackson Blue Spring

37.5%

Artesian spring

1,271 l/s (2011-2023) (12.)

A beautiful spring, an entrance in an enormous underwater cave system. Former 1st magnitude spring, earlier its output was a lot higher: in 2003-2006 its mean output was 3,879 l/s. Now it is a lot weaker.

34

River Sink Spring

28.8%

Karst window

90 by 30 m large section of a collapsed underwater cave with a powerful flow of water in it. The measured flow of this underwater river is 4,644 l/s.

35

Upper River (Kini) Spring

25.8%

Karst window

A section of a collapsed underwater cave, 76 m long and 37 m wide. In 1972 the flow rate of this underground river was 4,984 l/s.

36

Natural Bridge Spring

30.3%

Karst window

4,191 l/s (2003-2006) (5.)

An interesting karst window – a section of a collapsed cave with underground river. It looks like a winding, 410 m long chasm.

37

Homosassa Springs Group

43.3%

A group of artesian springs

2,492 l/s (sum of Homosassa Springs 1, 2, 3) (6.)

Headspring of the beautiful Homosassa Springs. This headspring has three vents in a 58 by 87 m large pool. In a way, these three vents could be considered to be a single spring – but it also does not reach the power of a 1st magnitude spring.

38

July Spring

35.5%

Artesian spring

850 l/s (2007) (2.)

A natural, beautiful spring with a pristine forest around it. In some measurements the discharge of this spring exceeded the threshold of 1st magnitude spring, but other measurements show a more modest result. One of the entrances in the 7,174 m long Devils Eye Cave System.

39

King’s Bay (Crystal River) Springs Group

41.9%

A group of artesian springs

25,940 l/s (major part of the group)

In the 240 ha large King’s Bay there are some 50-70 large springs, including some 12 2nd magnitude springs, such as the 1,213 l/s strong Tarpon Hole. These submarine springs flow in a shallow sea bay and are a popular wintering location for manatees.

40

Wacissa Springs Group

35.5%

A group of artesian springs

10,987 l/s (whole group of springs)

A group of seven closely located artesian springs that forms a large river.

41

Gainer Springs

41.8%

A group of artesian springs

Around 4,500 l/s

A group of five major and eight smaller springs. This is a gorgeous natural landmark, especially Gainer Spring #3 with its eternal underwater fountain of sand and pieces of shells.

01

St. Peter’s Church in Capernaum

43.5%

Location: Israel

Founded: Around AD 50

In short: There still is some discussion if this is the oldest church because there is a possibility that it was not a true house church. But there is a high probability that around AD 50 in the house, where Jesus was a frequent guest, the large guest room was transformed into a shrine of the new religion – Christianity.

The church was several times rebuilt and extended, until it was demolished, most likely, in the early 7th century. Current church over it was built in 1989-1990.

02

Dura-Europos house church

44.5%

Location: Syria, Deiz ez-Zor

Founded: Soon after AD 233

In short: There are many ruins of possible house churches in the region. Most likely, in numerous villages Christians gathered in a more or less secret shrines in private houses.

The oldest documented house church, though, is located in the abandoned, ancient Dura-Europos city at Euphrates. It was built in AD 233 or a little later. In the church were found simple frescoes – some of the oldest Christian art in the world.

03

Megiddo Church

40.0%

Location: Israel

Founded: Late 3rd century AD

In short: Just some 1.5 km from the famous Armageddon in 2005 was discovered a fine, extensive mosaic floor with Greek inscriptions from an ancient Christian prayer hall. This is a somewhat puzzling find because analysis shows that this house church was built in the late 3rd century AD, or, the very latest, very beginning of the early 4th century. Thus, it was built well before the churches were allowed in Roman Empire. But, this Christian shrine was inside a Roman built house, in a Roman military camp!

04

Aqaba Church

36.5%

Location: Jordan

Founded: Between AD 293 and 303

In short: Numerous house churches existed before this structure, but Aqaba Church seems to be the oldest known purpose-built church.

It was built shortly before the more intense persecution of Christians in Roman Empire started in AD 303. It seems, this church by this time was abandoned and somehow left standing. It was destroyed, most likely, by an eartquake in AD 363.

05

Etchmiadzin Cathedral

48.0%

Location: Armenia

Founded: Around AD 301-303 (most likely)

In short: The currently visible church in the former capital city of Ancient Armenia was gradually constructed since the AD 483/484. But in its site already in AD 301-303 was built the first cathedral in the world – a mark that Armenia was the first Christian country in the world.

06

Archbasilica of St John Lateran

59.5%

Location: Italy, Rome

Founded: AD 318 or 324

In short: This is the oldest church in Europe and, formally, the most important Catholic church in the world. It was built in 313-318 (or 324?) as the main seat of bishop in Rome. The current magnificent church building is much newer, built in 1370-1735.

07

Qirqbize church

31.0%

Location: Syria

Founded: The first third of the 3rd century AD (or later?)

In short: One of the numerous ancient churches in the unique cultural landscape of the Northern Syria, where in the ancient times was a very prosperous land. Qirqbize church, most likely, was built as a church next to an affluent villa, possibly by the owner of this posh house. Specialists have a discussion about its age, but it is quite possible that the church was built in the beginning of the 3rd century AD.

08

Panagia Ekatontapyliani

36.0%

Location: Greece

Founded: AD 326 (according to a legend, in reality – some years later)

In short: One of the numerous churches that, according to a legend, were founded by the mother of the Roman emperor Constantine I, Helena during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Most likely, though, it was built some years later. At least some parts of the building are from the 6th century, but, it seems, nothing from the original structure remains.

09

Stavrovouni Monastery

46.4%

Location: Cyprus

Founded: AD 327-329 (according to a legend)

In short: One more site, that, according to a legend, was visited by Helen, mother of emperor Constantine I. A wonder happened there and she ordered to build a chapel there. The monastery in this site was established soon after as one of the oldest monasteries in the world. Present-day buildings are much younger – built in the late 19th century and 20th century.

10

Church of the Nativity

51.4%

Location: Palestine, West Bank, Bethlehem

Founded: Around AD 326-330

In short: The church in the possible birthplace of Jesus (the Nativity Grotto under the church) was constructed sometime between AD 326 and 330, although the location was a pilgrimage site long before this. The current church was built around 565 and since then there has evolved a whole complex of religious buildings. Nevertheless, the mosaic floors have been preserved from the original church. This church seems to have the longest history of a continuous use among all the churches of the world.

01

Kaive Oak (Senci Oak)

39.8%

Circumference: 10.55 m (2019)

Height: ˜ 18 m

About the tree: The largest tree in the Baltic states by the circumference. Since 1940 the tree has increased from 8 m to the current 10.55 m.

02

Kanepu Oak (Kaņepu ozols)

39.5%

Circumference: 9.82 m (2019)

Height: ˜ 16 – 17 m

About the tree: This magnificent tree was selected as the most magnificent tree of Latvia already in 1933 and has become even more magnificent since then. It is possible that it served as a paganic shrine.

03

Rigzemju Oak (Rīgzemju ozols)

36.5%

Circumference: 9.64 m (2020)

Height: ˜ 16.5 m

About the tree: This mighty tree stands near the fairy tale virgin forest – Slītere forest.

04

Dambju Oak (Dambju ozols)

36.8%

Circumference: 9.48 m (2018)

Height: 22.6 m

About the tree: This mighty tree stands on the rim of a ravine. Its circumference increases very fast: in 2002 it was 8.6 m and just in 16 years it increased per 0.88 m!

05

Sejas Oak (Sējas ozols)

36.0%

Circumference: 9.15 m

Height: 24 m

About the tree: Magnificent tree in historical manor park, with a massive trunk. Contrary to the previous tree, this one does not increase (almost) its size for decades already.

06

Upatu Oak (Upatu ozols)

36.0%

Circumference: 8.84 m (2020)

Height: 12.5 m

About the tree: An enormous hollow gradually divides Upatu Oak into two parts and it may collapse soon. But now this is a very picturesque, giant tree.

07

Staisu Oak (Staišu ozols)

36.0%

Circumference: 8.47 m (2018)

Height: 23 m

About the tree: Enormous and comparatively healthy oak in a remote area. No images can convey the beauty and impressiveness of this beautiful tree.

08

Vilcinu Oak (Vilciņu ozols)

36.0%

Circumference: 8.45 m (2017)

Height: 23 m

About the tree: This beautiful oak stands next to an old house on the steep bank of river. It is damaged by a lightning and lost part of its crown.

09

Griku Oak (Griķu ozols)

36.0%

Circumference: 8.4 m (2021)

Height: 13.5 m

About the tree: This tree now is located in a forested area. This giant, unfortunately, is in a rather bad shape and has lost much of its crown – but it still is green!

10

Osenieku Oak (Ošenieku ozols)

36.8%

Circumference: 8.38 m (2017)

Height: 25 m

About the tree: An enormous, tall and healthy-looking tree. It seems, the tree increases in size fairly quickly.

01

Anahí Ametrine Mine

37.8%

Bolivia, Santa Cruz Department

Gemstone: Ametrine – a unique variety of quartz, part yellow and part purple

In short: In a pristine area of Bolivia is a legendary mine, where gorgeous purple-yellow crystals are found. These beautiful stones – ametrines – cover the walls of several small caves in this area. The exact location of this mine was a secret until 1990, although the stone has been known by locals before the coming of Europeans.

02

Benitoite Gem Mine

36.8%

United States, California

Gemstone: Benitoite

In short: One of the most intensely colored blue gemstones – benitoite – is found only in one location. It was discovered in 1907 when a small cave that was completely covered with the crystals of benitoite was discovered. This is one of the most expensive gemstones, only some 10,000 carats (2 kg) have been produced thus far.

03

Blue garnets of Bekily

28.3%

Madagascar, Androy Region

Gemstone: Blue garnet – unique variety of pyrope-spessartine

In short: The first blue-colored garnets were discovered around 1997 near Bekily. These stones have an unusual color-change effect: in daylight they are blue but in incandescent lighting – reddish-purple. Occasional finds of blue garnets have been made in Kenya as well, but the site near Bekily is the only one where these stones can be found regularly.

04

Charoite find in Sireneviy Kamen

27.3%

Russia, Sakha Republic and Irkutsk Oblast

Gemstone: Charoite

In short: Charoite is the only non-transparent gemstone in this list, but it is included due to its rare lavender color and extreme rarity. Charoite was discovered in 1948 and is found only in one location.

05

Csarite mine in Ilbir Mountains

35.3%

Turkey, Muğla Province

Gemstone: Csarite – gem quality diaspore

In short: Diaspore is a common mineral but there is only one location in the world, where a beautiful gem-quality diaspore is found and mined. This is an abandoned bauxite mine in the mountains of Western Turkey. The stone is named csarite and zultanite®. This gemstone has a spectacular color-change effect: in daylight, it is light green to brownish but in incandescent light – carmine red.

06

Tranomaro grandidierite mine

28.3%

Madagascar, Anosy Region

Gemstone: Grandidierite

In short: Gem-quality grandidierite occasionally has been found in Sri Lanka and also in another location of Madagascar, but the only place where it has been found in larger amounts is Tranomaro mine. In total there have been produced some 60 grams (!) of grandidierite jewels – gorgeous blue-green stones. Their price is unknown because deals with these few stones are not disclosed.

07

Londonite from Antsongombato Gemstone Mine

36.8%

Madagascar, Vakinankaratra Region

Gemstone: Londonite

In short: Londonite was discovered in 1998 and gem-quality stones have been found only in one pegmatite dike near the abandoned Antsongombato village. This is a gorgeous yellow-to-colorless stone. Some 60 grams of londonite jewels have been produced.

08

Misen River ominelite find

35.0%

Japan, Kansai

Gemstone: Ominelite

In short: Ominelite was discovered in 1999. Thus far just a few beautiful, transparent grains in pale blue color have been found. Their size does not exceed 5 mm. The only location where these gems have been found is a beautiful, forested river valley at the world-famous Nara temples in Japan.

09

Red beryl from Ruby Violet claims

41.8%

United States, Utah

Gemstone: Red beryl

In short: Beryls come in diverse colors – the most famous are the beautiful green emeralds that are mined in many locations around the world. But red beryls are mined only in one location – Ruby Violet claims in Utah, although occasional stones have been found elsewhere in Utah, New Mexico, and also San Luis Potosi (Mexico). It is assessed that some 300 beryl jewels have been produced in total and these gems are multiple times more expensive than diamonds of similar size.

10

Tanzanite from Merelani Hills

43.3%

Tanzania, Manyara

Gemstone:Tanzanite

In short: Tanzanite – a variety of the fairly common zoisite – is found only in one location, in Merelani Hills, Tanzania, in 7 by 2 km large area. It was discovered in 1967. The mines have been quite rich and have provided many tons of these gorgeous blue stones. The blue color is acquired by heat – but this has happened also in nature, for example, due to forest fires. The stone changes its color from deep blue to purple and burgundy depending on the direction.

01

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

50.8%

United States, California

Why is it unique? Forest with the oldest trees in the world.

In short: A grove of Great Basin Bristlecone Pine (Pinus longaeva). This unique forest contains the oldest known individual trees in the world, including Methuselah tree that is more than 4,750 years old and even older trees.

02

Ary-Mas and Lukunsky grove

42.3% and 41.8%

Russia, Krasnoyarsk Krai

Why are they unique? The northernmost forests.

In short: Ary-Mas is the northernmost separate forest in the world but 6 km further to the north is a part of another, larger forest – Lukunsky Grove. These groves of Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii) are just 2,000 km from the North pole and 600 km north of the polar circle. In spite of extreme climatic conditions, this forest has a high biological diversity with 306 species of plants and 90 species of birds.

03

Christmas Island crab forest

57.3%

Australia, Christmas Island

Why is it unique? The only forest where the dominating species is crabs.

In short: Rainforest of Christmas Island has the highest diversity of land crabs in the world – some 20 species. Their activities and feeding habits to a large extent form this forest – in many locations the forest floor is just soil without plants as the millions of crabs eliminate all smaller seeds and fresh saplings.

04

Giant Forest, California

55.8%

United States, California

Why is it unique? Forest with the largest trees in the world.

In short: Giant Forest is a forest of giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) – world’ s largest trees. There are several groves of this tree, but the largest ones are in the Giant Forest. There grows also the largest officially announced tree of the world – General Sherman.

05

Goualougo Triangle – the realm of chimpanzees

46.0%

The Republic of Congo, Sangha

Why is it unique? The most pristine forest.

In short: People have never lived in this approximately 33 thousand ha large forest. Most likely, very few have entered it until recent times. But other beings rule in this forest and are developing their own culture! In Goualougo Triangle live large groups of gorillas and chimpanzees. Local chimpanzees have the most sophisticated culture of great apes on Earth.

06

Grand Bois, Amsterdam Island

27.3%

Saint Paul and Amsterdam Islands, Amsterdam island

Why is it unique? The most remote forest.

In short: On the remote Amsterdam Island still grows the unique Phylica arborea forest: out of the original 1,500 ha of this forest remain just 8 ha. It is not clear how this tree reached Amsterdam Island – these same species grow on Tristan da Cunha and Gough islands in the Southern Atlantic Ocean more than 7 thousand kilometers away. The nearest forest to Grand Bois is on Rodriguez Island, some 2430 km far away.

07

Forest on Robinson Crusoe Island

49.8%

Chile, V Valparaíso, Robinson Crusoe Island

Why is it unique? All tree species of this forest grow only here.

In short: In the forest on the remote Robinson Crusoe Island grow some 20 species of trees. All these trees are (naturally) met only in this forest and nowhere else in the world.

08

Nevado Sajama queñua woodlands

42.5%

Bolivia, Oruro Department

Why is it unique? The highest mountain forest.

In short: Stands of smaller trees in this forest grow at the height of 5,000 m and separate trees – at the height of 5,200 m. These trees are queñua de altura (Polylepis tomentella) – unique trees that are able to grow in an extremely dry and cold climate.

09

The southernmost forest at Cape Horn

34.5%

Chile, XII Magallanes and Antártica Chilena

Why is it unique? The southernmost forest.

In short: This forest grows just 1.4 – 1.7 km from the famous Cape Horn. Low, stunted Nothofagus and Drimys trees grow in extremely windy conditions.

10

Yasuni Forest

49.8%

Ecuador, Orellana and Pastaza

Why is it unique? Forest with the highest biodiversity.

In short: It is well possible that this large forest in the eastern part of Ecuador is the most biodiverse place, e.g. nowhere else in the world one can see that many species of living organisms as there. For example, there are known 1,852 species of trees (and 300 possible, unidentified more!), and more than 540 species of freshwater fishes. It is possible that there live more than 100 thousand species of insects.

01

City of Arches at Honaunau Bay

40.8%

Western coast of Hawaii island

Along the sea shore here can be found impressive geological formations, including some fine blowholes.

02

Halona Blowhole

39.3%

O’ahu, south from Koko Crater

Height: Up to 9 – 10 m

Powerful, visually very impressive blowhole. At high tide and wind, it gets up to 9 – 10 m high.

03

Keahole Point blowhole

38.8%

Westernmost part of Hawaii Island

Height: Several metres

One of the rather many blowholes in this area. In rough weather, the fountain from the blowhole is several meters high. Beloved photography place.

04

Lanai lookout blowhole

34.8%

O’ahu

Small blowhole which creates a fountain at certain wind and wave directions.

05

Makena Blowhole

35.5%

Maui

Small blowhole in one of the most recent lava flows on Maui.

06

Moku Aeae Blowhole

37.3%

to the north from Kaua’i, Moku Aeae island

Height: Up to 20 m

Expressive, fine blowhole which in the right weather conditions creates a 20 m high fountain.

07

Nakalele Blowhole

41.8%

Northern part of Maui

Height: Up to 30 m

Impressive blowhole which beats from a shallow pool close to the sea. One of the best-known and tallest blowholes in Hawaii.

08

Open Ceiling Cave (Pukalani)

41.3%

Northern coast of Kaua’i

This geological formation is not exactly a blowhole although it is possible that in the recent past it was a blowhole. Now, this is a collapsed sea cave – a circular sea basin that is connected to the sea with a large cave – a natural arch.

09

Pirate Cave

44.5%

Northern coast of Kaua’i

This enormous, 290 m long sea cave at high waves turns into a blowhole. The pressure of the air from the cave pushed back the waves, creating a fountain of mist and water.

10

Pools of Mokolea

39.8%

Kaua’i, Kilauea Point

This blowhole does not produce large splashes but it looks impressive due to a visual effect – in many images, it looks as if the ocean is falling into this hole.

11

South Point Blowhole

38.3%

Southern point of Hawaii Island

During the storms, this blowhole creates giant jets of water. If the weather is calm some though dare to jump in it.

12

Spitting Caves in Oahu

41.3%

South-east of O’ahu

As the waves enter these caves, air pressure forces a near-horizontal fountain of mist and water out from the cave.

13

Spouting Horn in Kauai

42.8%

Southern coast of Kauai

Height: Up to 15 m and sometimes even 30 m

A hissing and roaring blowhole which creates up to 15 and even 30 m high jets of water.

14

Toilet Bowl in Oahu

38.8%

Eastern coast of O’ahu

Large hole in the rocks. With each wave, the level in this hole rises and then falls again through a cave. During storms here might rise fountains of water.

15

Blowhole in Waianapanapa State Park

30.8%

Maui, Wai’anapanapa State Park

For most of the time this blowhole produces a hissing sound and fountains of mist but sometimes it produces violent, powerful fountains.

01

Bicheno Blowhole

40.3%

Eastern coast of Tasmania

Height: Up to 20 m

Rock: Granite

Impressive slanted blowhole which during the storms can get dangerous.

02

Blackman’s Bay Blowhole

39.8%

Tasmania

Height: Does not form a fountain

Rock: Sandstone?

Collapsed sea cave – former blowhole with a natural bridge.

03

Blowhole at Clear Place Point

27.3%

New South Wales, Lord Howe Island

Height: ?

Rock: Basalt

This blowhole creates a fountain through the fissure in the ceiling of a larger sea cave.

04

Blowholes at Mutton Bird Point

25.3%

New South Wales, Lord Howe Island

Height: ?

Rock: Basalt

Group of at least five small blowholes.

05

Blowhole of De Witt Island

40.3%

Tasmania, De Witt Island

Height: Very tall

Rock: ?

One of the world’s most impressive blowholes. Can be seen from the sea on the remote De Witt Island.

06

Breathing Rock in South Bruny Island

40.3%

Tasmania, South Bruny Island

Height: Considerably more than 10 m

Rock: ?

This impressive blowhole can be seen only from the sea.

07

Cape Bridgewater Blowholes

34.0%

Victoria, Cape Bridgewater

Height: Low

Rock: Basalt

Several comparatively small blowholes.

08

Christmas Island blowholes

39.8%

Christmas Island

Height: Significant

Rock: Limestone

Numerous noisy blowholes along the limestone coast of Christmas Island. This is a very unusual sight during the mass migration of red crabs.

09

Dirk Hartog Island Blowhole

41.8%

Western Australia, western coast of Dirk Hartog Island

Height: Up to 60 m

Rock: Limestone

These blowholes are at the base of sea cliffs. Usually, around 10 m tall but at high swells here with a deafening noise shoot up fountains that are up to 60 m high.

10

Dudley Beach blowholes

25.8%

New South Wales, Newcastle-Maitland

Height: Up to 10 m

Rock: Granite

Several blowholes in granite fissures and sea caves.

11

False Entrance Blowholes

39.3%

Western Australia, south from False Entrance bay

Height: Fountains travel through 30-40 m thick rocks and above them

Rock: Limestone

These blowholes have pierced up to 40 m thick layers of rock. Usually, just air is howling through these holes but sometimes there rise also fountains of water.

12

Frazer Blowhole (Snapper Point Blowhole)

35.8%

New South Wales, Central Coast Region

Height: ?

Rock: ?

A large blowhole which only on a few occasions forms a fountain.

13

Kiama Blowhole

46.1%

New South Wales, Kiama town

Height: Up to 25 m and, reportedly – even 60 m

Rock: Latite (a volcanic rock)

The best-known blowhole in Australia. This is a powerful fountain that has proven to be also quite dangerous.

14

Kiama Little blowhole

37.3%

New South Wales, Kiama Town

Height: Significant

Rock: Latite (a volcanic rock)

This blowhole forms a narrow, tall fountain and erupts more frequently than the better-known Kiama blowhole.

15

Maingon Blowhole

35.8%

South of Tasmania

Height: Does not form a fountain

Rock: ?

Approximately 40 m deep sinkhole with raging waves at its bottom.

16

Nobbies Blowhole

34.8%

Victoria, Bass Coast Shire

Height: ?

Rock: Basalt

A nearly horizontal plume of mist and water shoots from some 12 m long sea cave.

17

Quobba Blowholes

40.3%

Western Australia, Gascoyne Region

Height: More than 30 m

Rock: Sandstone

Beautiful group of some 30 blowholes. At certain winds and storms the fountains are more than 30 m tall.

18

Pirates Bay Blowhole (Tasman Blowhole)

38.3%

Tasmania, near the Eaglehawk Neck

Height: Up to 10 m

Rock: Siltstone?

Sea cave with a collapsed roof – blowhole. In rough weather, the splashes are up to 10 m high.

19

Port Campbell Blowhole

40.8%

Victoria, Shire of Corangamite

Height: Does not form a fountain

Rock: Sandstone

A sinkhole with raging, loud waves at its bottom.

20

Torndirrup Blowholes

36.0%

Western Australia, Torndirrup National Park

Height: ?

Rock: Granite

These fountains are created by the waves in the rock crevasses.

21

Thunder Bay Blowholes (Thunderbay Blowholes)

40.8%

Western Australia, Torndirrup National Park

Height: After passing through 100 m thick rock – up to 20 m tall fountains

Rock: Sandstone

Some of the world’s most powerful blowholes. The water here is pushed through some 100 m tall Zuytdorp Cliffs and then rises in fountains that are up to 20 m high.

22

Whale Rock blowhole

37.8%

Queensland, North Stradbroke Island

Height: ?

Rock: ?

A comparatively smaller blowhole emits a fountain of mist and water with whistles and whooshes.