| Speleothems (Stalactites and Stalagmites) |
| SpiritRock Shop |
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| Item# SPE05109962 8" Stalactite speleothem from the Ozarks $79.00 |
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| Stalactites from the Ozark Mountain Regions of Missouri |
A speleothem is commonly known as a cave formation or decoration and is a secondary mineral deposit formed in a
cave. Speleothems are typically formed in limestone or dolostone solutional caves. The word speleothem (from the
Greek for "cave deposit") is derived from the Greek words spelaion meaning "cave" and thema meaning "deposit".
The speleothems with which most people are familiar are stalactites and stalagmites. Stalactites grow down from the
cave ceiling, while stalagmites grow up from the cave floor. It’s easy to remember which is which: Stalactites have a "T"
for top and stalagmites have an "m" for mound, (or “G” for ground).
Speleothems actually form because of water. Rainwater seeps through cracks in the rock. As it passes through organic
material, it picks up carbon dioxide gas, creating carbonic acid. This weak acid passes through joints and cracks in
limestone. The mineral calcite is dissolved from the limestone rock in which a cave is formed. When this water that now
holds the dissolved rock is exposed to the air in the cave, it releases the carbon dioxide gas, much like when a bottle of
soda is opened. As the carbon dioxide is released, calcite is precipitated (redeposited) on cave walls, ceilings and
floors. As the redeposited minerals build up after countless water drops, a stalactite is formed. If the water that drops to
the floor of the cave still has some dissolved calcite in it, it can deposit more dissolved calcite there, forming a
stalagmite.
Speleothems form at varying rates as calcite crystals build up. Several factors can determine the rate of growth. Two
important factors are the temperature outside (which affects the rate of decay of plants and animals, hence the amount
of carbon dioxide in the soil), and the amount of rainfall. The shapes of speleothems are determined by how the acidic
water enters the cave (by dripping, seeping, or splashing) and how the water stands or flows after entering the cave.
Most scientists believe that the color of speleothems are determined by the mineral content. Pure calcite is white and
almost colorless. Iron and other minerals, as well as acids from surface vegetation, combine with calcite crystals to add
shades of red, orange and black to the color of speleothems. Others believe that humic and fulvic acids in the soil may
also contribute to speleothem coloration.
cave. Speleothems are typically formed in limestone or dolostone solutional caves. The word speleothem (from the
Greek for "cave deposit") is derived from the Greek words spelaion meaning "cave" and thema meaning "deposit".
The speleothems with which most people are familiar are stalactites and stalagmites. Stalactites grow down from the
cave ceiling, while stalagmites grow up from the cave floor. It’s easy to remember which is which: Stalactites have a "T"
for top and stalagmites have an "m" for mound, (or “G” for ground).
Speleothems actually form because of water. Rainwater seeps through cracks in the rock. As it passes through organic
material, it picks up carbon dioxide gas, creating carbonic acid. This weak acid passes through joints and cracks in
limestone. The mineral calcite is dissolved from the limestone rock in which a cave is formed. When this water that now
holds the dissolved rock is exposed to the air in the cave, it releases the carbon dioxide gas, much like when a bottle of
soda is opened. As the carbon dioxide is released, calcite is precipitated (redeposited) on cave walls, ceilings and
floors. As the redeposited minerals build up after countless water drops, a stalactite is formed. If the water that drops to
the floor of the cave still has some dissolved calcite in it, it can deposit more dissolved calcite there, forming a
stalagmite.
Speleothems form at varying rates as calcite crystals build up. Several factors can determine the rate of growth. Two
important factors are the temperature outside (which affects the rate of decay of plants and animals, hence the amount
of carbon dioxide in the soil), and the amount of rainfall. The shapes of speleothems are determined by how the acidic
water enters the cave (by dripping, seeping, or splashing) and how the water stands or flows after entering the cave.
Most scientists believe that the color of speleothems are determined by the mineral content. Pure calcite is white and
almost colorless. Iron and other minerals, as well as acids from surface vegetation, combine with calcite crystals to add
shades of red, orange and black to the color of speleothems. Others believe that humic and fulvic acids in the soil may
also contribute to speleothem coloration.
| This Stalactite was obtained legally and was found in the Ozark Mountains on privately owned land. This speleothem was harvested post-growing only with minimal disturbance to the ecosystem around it. We do not endorse or encourage removing growing speleothems from live caves! |
| This is a magnificant and extremely rare stalactite speleothem formation as shown in pictures, in different lighting conditions. This specimen stands 8" tall. Multi-colored and stands upright on it's natural base! This specimen has beautiful color without being thoroughly cleaned (only soaked). This piece would make an excellent home decor addition or a Science and Geology study specimen. It is a museum grade stone artifact grown from the water dripping on the cave floor and depositing it's minerals to form this fantastic natural wonder. Specimen was collected in the Ozark Highlands region of Missouri. A valuable addition to any collection. This formation was legally harvested, post-growing, out of a privately owned cave. This formation is guaranteed to be from a private cave and gathered from the cave floor. These are very rare, special and ancient minerals. This specimen weighs 2.43 lbs (1.1kg) and measures 8 x 4.3 x 2.7 inches (20 x 10.8 x 6.8cm) |
| This Stalactite was obtained legally and was found in the Ozark Mountains on privately owned land. This speleothem was harvested post-growing only with minimal disturbance to the ecosystem around it. We do not endorse or encourage removing growing speleothems from live caves! |
| This is a magnificant and extremely rare 2 towered thin pink and white fine stalactite speleothem formation measuring a delicate 8" as shown in pictures, in different lighting conditions. This specimen has beautiful color without being thoroughly cleaned (only soaked). This piece would make an excellent home decor addition or a Science and Geology study specimen. It is a museum grade stone artifact grown from the water dripping on the cave floor and depositing it's minerals to form this fantastic natural wonder. Specimen was collected in the Ozark Highlands region of Missouri. A valuable addition to any collection. This formation was legally harvested, post-growing, out of a privately owned cave. This formation is guaranteed to be from a private cave and gathered from the cave floor. These are very rare, special and ancient minerals. This specimen weighs 0.735 lbs (333g) and measures 8 x 2.6 x 1.4 inches (205 x 66 x 36mm) |
| These Stalactites are obtained legally and were found on privately owned land. Our speleothems are harvested post-growing only with minimal disturbance to the ecosystem around it. We do not endorse or encourage removing growing speleothems from live caves! |
| Item# SPE05107903 Group of 5 Stalactite Kokoweef Cave Onyx Speleothems from California $60.00 |
| California Cave Onyx These 5 specimens were legally removed from a private claim at Kokoweef Cavern in the Ivanpah Mountains in San Bernadino County, California about 28 years ago, collecting is no longer allowed. Kokoweef Cave Onyx yields fantastic patterns when cut, polishes nicely, or makes nice display pieces. Together they weigh 1.30 lbs., and are up to approx. 4" x 2" x 1.1". You get all 5 pieces. |
| The top of the specimen to the right has been ground down a little and a rough wheel polish to look at the material from a lapidary viewpoint (see above) |
| This is a cabachon made from Kokoweef Cave Onyx by bitterbrookcabachons |
| Cave Onyx is a calcium carbonate accretion from these caverns. Legend has it that in the 1920s, a man discovered an underground river full of golden nuggets in these limestone caverns. These were collected at Kokoweef Caverns, California in the 1970s. This area is no longer open to collectors. The current owners are in the process of searching for the legendary under ground gold laden river. These would make a great addition to your mineral collection! |
| Item# SPE05102302 Aragonite Stalactite Speleothems from Mexico $42.00 |
| Aragonite Stalactite Cluster This is an Aragonite honey colored mineral specimen from the mines in Santa Eulalia, Mexico. Each of the little columns appear to have crystals that stacked on top of each other, and they branch out like coral does. Many pyramidal points formed on clusters of twinned "fingers". Aragonite is the second most common polymorph of natural calcium carbonate (aka calcite). This Aragonite specimen Measures 3.5 x 2.5 x 2.2 inches (89x63x57mm), and weighs 0.6 lbs (268 grams). |
| Item# SPE05109942 8" Stalactite speleothem from the Ozarks $65.00 |
| Notice to Our Customers We will be closed from May 18th through August 15th 2012 to relocate our business. Orders placed during this time will not be shipped until after August 15th. Purchases or Reservations will be honored in the date order they are received. 1st purchaser is served 1st. |