Many of us believe that rocks and mountains are strong, and we often use these words as epithets. But if they were actually such, then a person would never have seen stalagmite and stalactite. This is due to the fact that a drop of water, flowing through the thickness of the rock, descends into the cave, carrying an insignificant amount of limestone. Then it passes through the earth into the lower layers of the mantle and evaporates in them under the influence of the heat of the earth's core. But the material that it pulls behind itself remains on the floor or on the ceiling of the cave, through which our drop managed to seep.
Stalagmite and stalactite are limestone growths that are formed in the process of water alluvium. However, the water pressure is not significant, therefore, these formations have a rather slow growth. In addition to dropping limestone deep into the caves, they also collect calcium and some other substances. This can explain the variety of colors and shades that have stalagmite and stalactite.
Depending on the speed with which the water enters, the outgrowths under consideration form in the caves. When it flows slowly, stalactite appears, which has a beginning on the ceiling. And if water drips fast enough so as not to linger on top and wash away various substances on the cave floor, then stalagmite is formed. Sometimes it happens that the age of these growths reaches a high level, and they are combined into one column. Since their connection took place, they become stagnates. Most rarely you can see how the room in the cave is divided into two separate halls by a stagnant formation. This is called drapery. It is worth noting that in stalagnates you can often see sparkling stones. These are crystals of crystal, which is formed in the mountains. Often, the drapery and stalagnates are broken in order to get these sparkling stones.
Despite all the differences, stalagmite and stalactite have similarities. It is composed. In one cave there cannot be various stalactites and stalagmites. All those elements of which they consist will be similar to each other. Formation growth is a long process. One centimeter of stalactite can form in a hundred years, or even more. And stalagmites generally grow even longer. This is due to the fact that water slows down during its journey through the rocks. And rarely, when it is able to maintain sufficient pressure in order to fall on the floor of the cave along with limestone.
You cannot even imagine how beautiful stalactites and stalagmites are. A photo can convey their appearance in general terms, but when you look at them from different angles or shine a flashlight, they seem to change their colors and shapes.
There is another theory of the formation of these cave growths. It was introduced in 1970 and focused on the fact that stalactites and stalagmites are formed under the action of a special fungus. When a favorable environment for its growth is created, it begins to develop. However, if this theory is true, then why has not yet been created an artificial cave with stalactites? In any case, no matter what secret these extraordinary cave elements may hold in themselves, they delight the eyes of those happy people who had the opportunity to see them at least once.
