Exploration of stalagmites and stalactites are just some of the very exciting activities in caving. What are stalagmites and stalactites? What are they collectively called?

First let us define what stalagmites and stalactites are. Stalagmites are structures inside the cave that develop as they arise from the ground. Stalactites, on the other hand, are those structures commonly seen suspended on ceilings and walls of caves. They are sometimes referred to as "dripstones".

How are they formed? These constituents are formed particularly in limestone type of caves. They are formed as calcium carbonate accumulates and as minerals drip down.

There are several types of caves, some of which are corrosion, solution, lava and ice caves. All of these three form stalagmites and stalactites except for corrosion caves which are frequently used as shelters.

Through time, these two structures meet which result to formations called pillar/ column/ stalacton. In general, these formations are collectively called as a "speleothem". When water, air and rocks interact, these structures are produced.

Shapes of Stalagmites and Stalactites

In visiting caves, the most enjoyed and appreciative part is the pleasure of classifying different types and shapes of formations. Some of the fine shapes would be columns, dogtooth spar, cave pearls, flowstone, helictites and soda straws as well as carrot and curtain shape. Different shapes form depending on the activity and interactions among deposits, water, air and gravity.

Stalactites and stalagmites have different colors depending on the minerals that are present, but most of them are brown colored. Such minerals are iron and copper.

Popular Cave Forms

There is an enormous number of attractive caves worldwide. Usually, people spend time to visit them just to experience and personally see various formations inside a cave. One of the most popular stalactites ever known was that formed in the Chamber of Rairities in Brazil. It measures about 20 meters long. Another one would be that of the structures named as "The Hall of Giants" found in the caverns of Carlsbad.

Entering a Cave

Cave exploration entails a lot of safety pre-cautions since caving is considered as a dangerous sport. In touring several stalactite and stalagmite-forming caves, you must follow several rules such as "don't touch the rocks!" This is so because of the fact that rocks may still be in the process of formation and may still be moving, they are fragile. Appreciating its beauty is good but following some precautions would be better so as to ensure protection for both visitors as well as other creations therein.