Stalactite
Rock
Found extensively in North Clare.
A stalactite is formed from crystallised limestone growing downwards from the roof of a cave or cavern. Stalactites, stalagmites, cave pearls, 'soda straws' and many other cave formations are made of calcite, as calcite is easily dissolved, allowing these formations to occur.
When limestone is dissolved away by years and years of slightly acidic ground water percolating through the limestone, caverns can be formed, as at the Ailwee Caves. As the calcite enriched water enters a relatively dry cavern, the water starts to evaporate, leaving the calcite behind in the form of a stalactite hanging from the roof.
Ref: 2000.22
