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A helictite is a speleothem found in lime stone caves that changes its axis from the vertical at one or more stages during its growth. They have a curving or angular form that looks as if they were grown in zero gravity. They are most likely the result ofcapillary forces acting on tiny water droplets, a force often strong enough at this scale to defy gravity.
A Stalactite is cylindrical or conical mineral deposit projecting downward from the roof of a cave or cavern, formed by the dripping of water saturated with minerals. As this is formed with support of gravity, it grows vertically downwards. Stalactites form gradually as the minerals precipitate out of the saturated water. They usually consist of calcite but can also consist of other minerals.
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Are there different kinds of stalactites and stalagmites?
Yes, there are various types of stalactites and stalagmites based on their composition, shape, and formation process. Some common types include soda straws, helictites, and draperies for stalactites, and pillars, shields, and coral garden for stalagmites. Each type has unique characteristics formed under specific conditions in caves.
Does wind erosion cause stalactites to form?
No. They are precipitations of calcite. Draughts may influence their shapes, and are thought one way in which helictites develop.
How process most likely formed these stalactites and stalagmites?
It is known - they are calcite deposits precipitated from soultion in ground-water that dissolved it from the limestone above the cave. The real puzzle is the development of "helictites" - stalactites chemically and in principle, but growing into fantastic shapes like spaghetti, and no one theory fits them all!
Does stalactites grow upword or downword?
Stalactites grow downwards
What stalactites is the hardest mineral?
Stalactites made of calcite are relatively soft, while those made of aragonite are harder. However, the hardest mineral commonly found in stalactites is quartz, which can form as chalcedony stalactites in caves.
What type of speleothems is solid and which is hollow?
Solid speleothems include stalactites and stalagmites, formed from mineral deposits in caves. Hollow speleothems are typically soda straws or helictites, which have hollow tubes through which water flows to deposit minerals.
Are there different kinds of stalactites and stalagmites?
Yes, there are various types of stalactites and stalagmites based on their composition, shape, and formation process. Some common types include soda straws, helictites, and draperies for stalactites, and pillars, shields, and coral garden for stalagmites. Each type has unique characteristics formed under specific conditions in caves.
Does wind erosion cause stalactites to form?
No. They are precipitations of calcite. Draughts may influence their shapes, and are thought one way in which helictites develop.
What formations occur in caves?
Formations that occur in caves include stalactites (hanging formations), stalagmites (rising formations), flowstones (sheet-like deposits), columns (stalactites and stalagmites joining), and helictites (twisted, branching formations). These formations are created by the slow deposition of minerals from dripping water over thousands of years.
What cave features form from dripstone?
SPELEOTHEMS: Stalactites, stalactites, curtains (draperies in US caving), straws (fine tubular stalactites - 'soda straws' in US), flowstone, gour pools (I think 'rimstone' pools, ditto), cave pearls, helictites (aka 'erratics' but rather unwisely because that is already a definite geological term for a boulder left far from source by a glacier. They are all of calcite, crystalline calcium carbonate.
Is stalagmites are narrower than stalactites?
if you mean are stalagmites narrower than stalactites then they can both be bigger than each other because there sises are nearly allways different
How process most likely formed these stalactites and stalagmites?
It is known - they are calcite deposits precipitated from soultion in ground-water that dissolved it from the limestone above the cave. The real puzzle is the development of "helictites" - stalactites chemically and in principle, but growing into fantastic shapes like spaghetti, and no one theory fits them all!
How is stalactites and stalagmites different?
Stalactites point down from the ceiling, and stalagmites point upwards from the floor. A way to remember this is that stalactites hold tight onto the roof and stalagmites might reach the rook one day. The rock formation that goes from ceiling to floor is called a column.
Where would you find stalactites?
Stalactites are often found in caves.
Does stalactites grow upword or downword?
Stalactites grow downwards
Where are stalagmites and stalactites?
Stalactites and stalagmites are found in limestone caves. Stalactites hang from the ceiling, and stalagmites come up from the ground.
Where stalactites and stalagmites are found?
Stalactites and stalagmites are found in limestone caves. Stalactites hang from the ceiling, and stalagmites come up from the ground.
