Speleothem

A speleothem is a mineral deposit that forms inside caves, created by the slow process of mineral-laden water dripping or flowing over surfaces. When the water evaporates or loses carbon dioxide, minerals like calcium carbonate are left behind, building up over time into features such as stalactites (hanging from the ceiling), stalagmites (rising from the floor), and other formations. These structures provide valuable clues about past climate conditions and geological processes. Speleothems grow very slowly and can take thousands to millions of years to form, making them important for scientific study and natural beauty.