Limestone is mainly made of calcite. When water containing dissolved
calcium and carbonate reaches the cave ceiling, some of the calcium
and carbonate is left behind (precipitated) as calcite, forming
cave decorations (speleothems) such as stalactites.
Stalagmites grow from the floor up from the deposition of
calcium carbonate from drops of water landing on the cave floor.
karst catchments
Stalactites have formed along joint lines in the limestone
where water has seeped through.
