Dripstone refers to calcite deposits formed by the dripping of water in caves, commonly seen as stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites growing from the floor. Dripstones are formed from the precipitation of calcium carbonate as water loses carbon dioxide. They are important in the study of speleology, paleoclimate, and karst environments.
Reference: Ford, D. C., & Williams, P. (2007). “Karst Hydrogeology and Geomorphology.” Wiley.