stalactites

Stalactites are icicle-shaped mineral formations that hang from the ceilings of caves. They develop when water containing dissolved minerals, primarily calcium carbonate, seeps through the rock and drips downward. As each drop of water hangs, some of the minerals are left behind, gradually building up a stalactite over time. This process is slow, often taking thousands of years to form substantial structures. When mineral-rich water drips onto the cave floor, it can also create stalagmites, which grow upward. Together, these formations contribute to the complex and beautiful interior features of caves.