1Nature's Silent Underground Artists
Deep beneath our feet, nature acts as a secret artist, carving out magnificent museums filled with sparkling treasures. These underground worlds are formed over millions of years as rainwater seeps through the soil and slowly dissolves soft rocks like limestone. As the water travels through the earth, it picks up a mineral called calcium carbonate. When this mineral-rich water finally reaches a cave, it drips from the ceiling, leaving behind tiny bits of stone that eventually grow into the amazing shapes we see today.
2Stalactites vs. Stalagmites
The most famous sculptures found in caves are stalactites and stalagmites. A great way to remember which is which is to think that stalactites hang "tight" to the ceiling, while stalagmites "might" reach the top one day! These formations grow at an incredibly slow pace. In many caves, it takes over 100 years for a formation to grow just one single inch. This means that a large pillar of cave crystal could be older than the ancient pyramids of Egypt!
3The Colorful Science of Cave Pillars
Sometimes, stalactites and stalagmites grow so much that they eventually meet in the middle, forming a solid "column" or pillar that looks like a tree trunk made of stone. These sculptures aren't always white; they can be orange, red, or brown depending on other minerals, like iron, found in the soil above. It is very important never to touch these formations if you visit a cave. The natural oils on human skin can act like a waterproof shield, preventing the water from depositing new minerals and stopping the crystal's growth forever.
