Stalactite vs. Stalagmite

Stalactitenoun

(geology) A secondary mineral deposit of calcium carbonate or another mineral, in shapes similar to icicles, that hangs from the roof of a cave.

Stalactitenoun

A pendent cone or cylinder of calcium carbonate resembling an icicle in form and mode of attachment. Stalactites are found depending from the roof or sides of caverns, and are produced by deposition from waters which have percolated through, and partially dissolved, the overlying limestone rocks.

Stalactitenoun

a cylinder of calcium carbonate hanging from the roof of a limestone cave

Stalactitenoun

a tapering structure hanging like an icicle from the roof of a cave, formed of calcium salts deposited by dripping water.

Stalactite

A stalactite (UK: , US: ; from the Greek stalasso, (σταλάσσω), , and meaning ) is a mineral formation that hangs from the ceiling of caves, hot springs, or man-made structures such as bridges and mines. Any material that is soluble and that can be deposited as a colloid, or is in suspension, or is capable of being melted, may form a stalactite.

Stalagmitenoun

(geology) A secondary mineral deposit of calcium carbonate or other mineral, in shapes similar to icicles, that lie on the ground of a cave.

Stalagmitenoun

A deposit more or less resembling an inverted stalactite, formed by calcareous water dropping on the floors of caverns; hence, a similar deposit of other material.

Stalagmitenoun

a cylinder of calcium carbonate projecting upward from the floor of a limestone cave

Stalagmitenoun

a mound or tapering column rising from the floor of a cave, formed of calcium salts deposited by dripping water and often uniting with a stalactite.

Stalagmite

A stalagmite (UK: , US: ; from the Greek σταλαγμίτης – stalagmitês, from σταλαγμίας – stalagmias, ) is a type of rock formation that rises from the floor of a cave due to the accumulation of material deposited on the floor from ceiling drippings. Stalagmites are typically composed of calcium carbonate, but may consist of lava, mud, peat, pitch, sand, sinter and amberat (crystallized urine of pack rats).The corresponding formation hanging down from the ceiling of a cave is a stalactite.