Page "Stalactite" Paragraph 8

Every stalactite begins with a single mineral-laden drop of water.

When the drop falls, it deposits the thinnest ring of calcite.

Each subsequent drop that forms and falls deposits another calcite ring.

Eventually, these rings form a very narrow ( 0. 5 mm ), hollow tube commonly known as a " soda straw " stalactite.

Soda straws can grow quite long, but are very fragile.

If they become plugged by debris, water begins flowing over the outside, depositing more calcite and creating the more familiar cone-shaped stalactite.

The same water drops that fall from the tip of a stalactite deposit more calcite on the floor below, eventually resulting in a rounded or cone-shaped stalagmite.

Unlike stalactites, stalagmites never start out as hollow " soda straws.

" Given enough time, these formations can meet and fuse to create columns of calcium carbonate.