Stalactite

A stalactite is a mineral formation that hangs from the ceiling of a cave, shaped like an icicle. It forms over thousands of years as mineral-rich water drips from the cave ceiling. When the water drops, it leaves behind tiny amounts of minerals—mainly calcite—that gradually build up, creating the stalactite. The process is slow, and the size can range from a few centimeters to several meters. Stalactites are part of a broader cave formation process, often found alongside stalagmites, which grow upward from the cave floor.