Stalactites and Stalagmites

Stalactites and stalagmites are formations that grow inside a limestone cave. One grows on the ceiling and one grows on the floor, but which one is which? 

Here’s a way to remember, stalactite with the “C” grows from the ceiling. These formations are created when water flows through a cave system and dissolves the calcite in the limestone carrying it through cracks in the ceiling. The water drips down and leaves trace minerals of calcite. Over the years of dripping, the calcite collects on the ceiling and the stalactite slowly forms looking like a rock icicle. As water drips down the stalactite to the floor, calcite also collects on the floor and this slowly forms the stalagmite. This is why the two formations are usually found together and often they grow together forming a single column. These hidden formations can be stunning in beauty and we have to wonder how many of them go unseen in these undiscovered caves. God’s beautiful handiwork is even found under the Earth.