Stalactites and stalagmites are types of rock formation prevalent in limestone caves. A stalactite hangs from the ceiling or sides of a cave whereas a stalagmite appears like an inverted stalactite, rising from the floor of the cave.
The words ‘stalactites’ and ‘stalagmites’ can be[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2,3,5″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ] traced back to the Greek word “stalassein,” which means ‘to drip’ that conveniently describes their formation.
As water flows down through the ground and seeps into a cave, it dissolves a mineral known as calcite and transports it via cracks in the ceiling.
Calcite is the most stable form of calcium carbonate and generally found in limestone. As water trickles through the rocks, it picks up carbon dioxide and calcite from the limestone, forming calcium bicarbonate.
Upon its contact with the air in the cave, carbon dioxide is discharged and calcite is redeposited on the ceiling and sides of the cave. As water continues to drip, the length and thickness of the calcite increases till it forms a stalactite.
Water from the ends of stalactites deposit more calcites on the cave floor that piles up and forms cone-like stalagmites. Hence, stalagmites and stalactites are mostly found in pairs. Occasionally, they grow together to form a pillar or column.
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