This environment was based on a world I created as a kid. The Crystal Cavern was one of the many locations of this fantasy world called Marverse Town, a marvelous town where heroes find their place. Here in this cavern was considered to be a treasure hunting cavern to dig up crystals. However, it was cursed cavern for heroes to explore or be imprisoned when entering this enchanted place. The only way to get out of the cavern is to be judged by the mystical Crystal owl. If they deemed you worthy you can take a special crystal instructed by the owl for winning your freedom. The crystals's powers are vast and different to the hero who wields it. However, if you were considered greedy or black of heart, you could not escape the cavern and would remain trapped never to see the light of day again.
This was a test of glowing crystals and using displacement maps to give the look and feel to rock.