Tropfsteinen

Tropfsteinen, also known as speleothems, are mineral deposits formed within caves. They are created by the slow dripping of water containing dissolved minerals, most commonly calcite, onto cave surfaces. As the water drips, it leaves behind a tiny amount of these dissolved minerals. Over vast periods of time, these deposits accumulate, growing into various formations.

The most recognizable types of Tropfsteinen include stalactites, which hang from the cave ceiling, and stalagmites, which rise from the cave floor. Stalactites are formed as water drips from the ceiling, depositing minerals along the edge of the drop. Stalagmites form from the mineral-rich water that drips onto the floor, building up over time. When a stalactite and a stalagmite meet, they form a column. Other forms include flowstones, which are sheet-like deposits formed by water flowing over surfaces, and draperies or curtains, which are thin, wavy formations created by water seeping through cracks. The color of Tropfsteinen can vary depending on the impurities present in the mineral deposits, such as iron oxides which can create red or brown hues. The growth rate of Tropfsteinen is extremely slow, often measured in millimeters per century, making them valuable indicators of past environmental conditions.