A stalagmite (from the Greek stalagma, "drop") is a type of speleothem that rises from the floor of a limestone cave due to the dripping of mineralized solutions and the depositation of calcium carbonate. The corresponding formation on the ceiling of a cave is known as a stalactite. If these formations grow together, meeting in the middle, the result is known as a column or pillar.
There are various mnemonics (ways to remember) for which hangs from the ceiling (stalactite) and which rises from the floor (stalagmite):
- StalaCtite has a "c" for "ceiling".
- StalaGmite has a "g" for "ground".
- Stalactite is stretched "tite" (tight) by hanging from the ceiling.
- Stalagmite pushes up with all its "mite" (might) from the floor.
The term "stalagmite" is derived from the Greek noun stalagma ("Σταλαγμίτης"), meaning "drop" or "drip"; the term "stalactite" comes from the related adjective stalaktos, meaning "dropped".
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