thingys that stalacmites and stalactites are joined
You shouldn't touch dripstones because they are delicate formations that can be easily damaged. Oils and acids from your skin can disrupt their natural growth and lead to deterioration. Additionally, touching them can interfere with the cave's ecosystem and potentially harm other organisms that rely on these formations. Preserving dripstones ensures their longevity and the beauty of the cave environment.
Carbonic acid plays a key role in the formation of dripstones in caves. When carbonic acid in rainwater interacts with limestone, it creates a chemical reaction that dissolves the limestone and forms caves. As the water drips through the cave, it leaves behind mineral deposits that accumulate over time to form dripstones like stalactites and stalagmites.
CAVES! These are the dripstones (like stone icicles) that hang from the ceiling (stalactites) or the ones growing upward from the floor (stalagmites). The easiest way to remember which is which--imagine that the stalactites are hanging on tightly to the ceiling.
Dripstone formations, such as stalactites and stalagmites, are primarily composed of calcium carbonate minerals like calcite. These minerals are deposited as water containing dissolved minerals drips from the ceiling of a cave, leaving behind layers of mineral deposits over time. Other minerals and organic materials can also contribute to the formation of dripstones.