Stalactites and stalagmites

What is a Stalactite?A stalactite is a speleothem that hangs from the ceiling of a cave or cavern. It often takes on an icicle-like shape. What Is A Stalagmite? A stalagmite is a speleothem that is located on the floor of a cave or cavern in a mound-like shape. The top of the mound continuously collects mineral deposits that help the stalagmite grow in height over time.
Some may take thousands of years to form, while others can grow quite rapidly. The two formations are also sometimes referred to collectively as dripstone.