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Beautiful nature: Stalactites

What are they?
They are structures formed over time due to deposition of highly concentrated calcium and other minerals dissolved in water. When water flows down the roof of the caves, these formations are formed gradually and it may take months to several hundred/thousands years to form colorful structures like the above.

Nature crafts beautiful things.

Note: It's not advisable to walk around or explore such caves unless they are designated areas to explore. Any noise or vibration could lead to disturbance and those sharp stalactite would drop from the top. Some of these caves are not very stable.

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PeanutsauntieP1982 · 41-45, F

I love seeing stalactites and stalagmites, but I used to get them confused, til my sister told me this "A stalactite hangs tight to the ceiling. A stalagmite might grow to the ceiling." After that, I had no problems.

SW-User

@PeanutsauntieP1982 That's nice. We always learn something from others, and good to know you did.

PeanutsauntieP1982 · 41-45, F

Yep. Have you ever been to Carlsbad Caverns, in Carlsbad, New Mexico, or The Caverns of Sonora, in Sonora, Texas? Carlsbad is neat, but too touristy for me to really enjoy. The Caverns of Sonora are really neat. They have these stone formations called "fish tails", that look like a fishtail growing from the wall. At one point in time, two fishtails started growing at the same time, and formed what looks like butterfly wings. They also have this really neat stone called "dogtooth marl", which looks like the stone flows over the other rocks...And then, just before you climb to the surface there are about 8 benches arranged in a semicircle, and the guide will have you sit, then they turn off their flashlight. I couldn't see my hand (which I held against my face). It was really, really neat!!

SW-User

@PeanutsauntieP1982 I haven't, I'll check them out next time. I like exploring those places. I have been to a few in Cali, where I grew up. Thanks for the info. That's quite helpful.

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

The colors you show are not natural, they are lighting.

SW-User

@samueltyler2 Could be, but minerals and vegetation could lead to the colorful formation of stalactites. If they are volcanic in origin, they would be colorful as well.

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

@SW-User some colors, yes, based on the natural colors of the metal ions, but never those vibrant reds, greens, etc.

Cutiepi23

Brilliant photos I seen them in the Frasassi Caves in Italy amazing.

fun4us2b · M

Cool!

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