helictite

A helictite starts its growth as a tiny stalactite.

It was formed by two fish tail helictite growths that share the same attachment point of the cave wall.

A helictite is a speleothem found in limestone caves that changes its axis from the vertical at one or more stages during its growth.

If the helictite has a very thin central tube where the water flows like it does in straws, capillary forces would be able to transport water against gravity.

Black Chasm, a quarter of a mile east of Volcano, is known for its helictite crystals - rare, sparkling white formations that look like an enlarged snowflake.

Among the "quill-like" varieties of anthodite is sometimes included the "sea urchin-like" formation known as flos ferri, although others have considered them a slender variety of helictite.

Drip stalagmites may form under tubular lava stalactites, and the latter may grade into a form known as a tubular lava helictite.

The cave system abounds with 12ft-wide chandeliers of stalactites and rarer helictite formations which encrust the icicle-like structures in a thick coat of what looks like snow.

Concerning the ontogeny of crystallictite and helictite aggregates of calcite and aragonite from the karst caves of Southern Fergana.

Highlights of Daren Cilau include the Time Machine, the largest cave passage in Britain; the White Company, a set of pure white stalactites; and the Bonsai Tree, a branching helictite.

The North Glory Cave has a common entrance with the South Glory through Glory Arch and features chambers such as the Queens Chamber, Helictite Chamber and Devils Kitchen.