Stalactites Presented by Joseph, Kaden and Andre

A stalactite from the Greek word stalasso “to drip” and meaning “that which drips” is a type of speleothem (secondary mineral) that hangs from the ceiling of limestone caves. It is a type of drip stone. The corresponding formation on the floor caves is known as a stalagmite. photo of the Kelly Hill Limestone caves at Kangaroo Island

Stalactites are formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate and other minerals, which is precipitated from mineralized water solutions. Limestone is the chief form of calcium carbonate rock which is dissolved by water that contains carbon dioxide, forming a calcium bicarbonate solution in underground caverns. E very stalactite begins with a single mineral-laden drop of water. When the drop falls, it deposits the thinnest ring of calcite. Each subsequent drop that forms and falls deposits another calcite ring. This is a synthesis reaction and t he chemical formula for this reaction is: CaCO3 + H2O + CO2  Ca(HCO3)2 Formation and type

Calcium Carbonate (Ionic)

Calcium Carbonate + Water (Water is Covalent)

Calcium Carbonate + Water + Carbon Dioxide (Carbon Dioxide is Ionic)

Calcium Carbonate + Water + Carbon Dioxide  Calcium Bicarbonate

++ CaCO3 + H2O + CO2  Ca(HCO3)2

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