GeoMiner Free earth-science tools

Built by a geologist

Stalactite identification and geology

A mineral deposit, typically of calcite CaCO₃ , that hangs downward from the ceiling of a cave like an icicle. Stalactites form as carbon dioxide degasses from dripping groundwater, causing dissolved calcium carbonate to precipitate. They grow from the ceiling downward, one ring at a time, and a cross-section reveals concentric growth rings. The complementary upward-growing deposit on the cave floor is a stalagmite. Field: geomorphology. Example: Stalactites in Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, range from tiny soda straws to massive columns, with some formations estimated to be over 500,000 years old based on uranium-thorium dating of their growth layers.. Related terms: Stalagmite, Speleothem, Cave, Karst.

  • Browse all geology and mining glossary terms — Compare this entry with the complete GeoMiner glossary collection.
  • Previous: Specific gravity — The ratio of the density of a mineral to the density of water 1.0 g/cm³ at 4°C , expressed as a dimensionless number.
  • Next: Stope — An underground excavation from which ore has been extracted, leaving a void in the rock. Stoping is the process of removing ore from around a mine's…
  • Karst

Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T15:19:42.096023+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
  • USGS Thesaurus — U.S. Geological Survey. Controlled earth-science terminology used to describe USGS information resources.
  • Glossary of Geologic Terms — U.S. National Park Service. Geologic definitions prepared by the NPS Geologic Resources Inventory.

Read GeoMiner's editorial methodology or report a content issue.

Common questions

What does Stalactite mean in geology?
A mineral deposit, typically of calcite CaCO₃ , that hangs downward from the ceiling of a cave like an icicle. Stalactites form as carbon dioxide degasses from dripping groundwater, causing dissolved calcium carbonate to precipitate. They grow from the ceiling downward, one ring at a time, and a cross-section reveals concentric growth rings. The complementary upward-growing deposit on the cave floor is a stalagmite.
What is an example of Stalactite?
Stalactites in Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, range from tiny soda straws to massive columns, with some formations estimated to be over 500,000 years old based on uranium-thorium dating of their growth layers.
Which earth-science field uses the term Stalactite?
Stalactite is used in geomorphology.
Which terms are related to Stalactite?
Related terms in this reference are Stalagmite, Speleothem, Cave, Karst.

JavaScript is loading the interactive GeoMiner experience. The identification tools provide educational candidates, not laboratory confirmation.