Did you know: about cave pearls?

Cave pearls are fascinating speleothems, formations found in caves, created by a unique process of mineral deposition. They are essentially spherical or rounded concretions of calcium carbonate (calcite or aragonite) that form around a nucleus in shallow, still cave pools. These pearls are known for their smooth, often glossy surfaces, a result of the constant movement of water as the pearl grows.

Here's a more detailed look at cave pearls:
Formation:
Nucleus:
Cave pearls begin with a nucleus, which can be anything from a grain of sand or a piece of bone to a mineral crystal.
Water and Minerals:
Water saturated with dissolved calcium carbonate drips or flows into the pool, losing carbon dioxide and causing the mineral to precipitate.

Concentric Layers:
This mineral coating gradually builds up around the nucleus in concentric layers, similar to how a biological pearl forms within an oyster.
Rotation and Polish:
The movement of water, whether from drips or gentle currents, helps to rotate the pearl, ensuring even coating and a smooth, polished surface.
Spherical Shape:
The spherical shape is promoted by the way the mineral deposits evenly around the nucleus, maximizing the amount of material for the smallest surface area.


Characteristics:
Composition: Primarily composed of calcite or aragonite, but can also contain trace amounts of other minerals.
Size: Most cave pearls are relatively small, under 1 centimeter in diameter, but they can grow much larger, sometimes up to 20 centimeters in rare cases.
Shape: While typically spherical, they can also be cylindrical, elliptical, or even irregular.
Location: Found in cave pools, often in areas where water drips or flows gently.
Fragility: Cave pearls can be fragile and may degrade if they dry out.
Where to Find Them:
Cave pearls are found in various caves around the world, with some notable locations including Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico, Lechuguilla Cave (also in New Mexico), and Son Doong Cave in Vietnam.
The Gruta de las Canicas (Cave of the Marbles) in Mexico is famous for its vast collection of cave pearls.