Stalactites and Stalagmites

Calcite

Calcite is a very common mineral. It is found in most places on earth. It is a Sedimentary mineral.

Pillar

This is when the Stalactite and Stalagmite grow together to form a pillar or Column.

Stalagmite

Water from the end of the Stalactite leaves more Calcite in a pile on the cave floor,and pretty soon a cone-like Stalagmite forms. Thats why Stalactites and Stalagmites are usually found in pairs.Sometimes they grow together to form a Pillar or a Column.

Stalactite

When water flows down through the ground into a cave it dissolves a mineral called Calcite and it carries through the cracks in the ceiling. The dripping water leaves behind traces of calcite,which slowly builds up on the ceiling until a stalactite takes shape,hanging down like an icicle.