Opens in a new tab

Letter DGeology glossary

Dripstone

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.

Stalactites hanging from cave ceiling (dripstone)
Fig. 1 Stalactites hanging from cave ceiling (dripstone)

Source Ford, D. C., & Williams, P. (2007). “Karst Hydrogeology and Geomorphology.” Wiley.

join.me

Geology made clear, in your inbox.

Get clear, visual explainers on rocks, minerals, deep time, and the most fascinating parts of Earth science from Geoscopy.