Stalagmites and Stalactites
Both the words, stalagmites and stalactites have been derived from Greek words ‘stalagma’ and ‘stalaktos’ which mean ‘dripping’. If we will talk about mineral formation in caves than these two are really very important. The difference between two of them is, Stalagmite hangs from the ceiling of the cave and Stalactite grows from the ground.
Fun Facts: –
- A stalactite is formed by precipitation of minerals from water which drips through the cave ceiling. Most of them have pointed ends.
- A stalagmite is mound of mineral deposits by water dripping on to the floor of the cave. It grows in upward direction and generally has rounded or flattened ends.
- If a stalagmite is small, flat and round then it will be called as ‘button stalagmite’.
- When a stalagmite touches a stalactite, then a column is formed.
- Generally, stalagmites and stalactites are formed by calcite. Chances are very less that they will be made of gypsum or aragonite.
- Their internal structure consists of concentric rings around the hollow channel.
- Their growth rates are very slow that if they are broken then cannot be recovered during a human life span of time.
- Stalagmites and stalactite are mostly found in pairs.
- World’s longest stalactite is in the White Chamber of the Jeita Grotto in Lebanon with a length of 27 feet.
- World’s longest stalagmite is in the cave of Cueva Martin Inferno, Cuba with a length of 204 feet.
- Lava stalactite and stalagmites can be also found in volcanic lava tube caves. They are formed of the dripping, cooling lava only.