stalagmites

Stalagmites are mineral formations that rise upward from the floor of a cave. They form when mineral-rich water drips from the cave ceiling, leaving behind tiny deposits of calcite or other minerals as the water evaporates. Over time, these deposits accumulate, creating a mound that grows upward. This process can take thousands of years, resulting in the striking, natural structures seen in caves, often alongside stalactites hanging from the ceiling. Together, stalagmites and stalactites can eventually join to form columns. Their growth reflects the ongoing interaction of water, minerals, and time within the cave environment.