<P> A stalactite ( UK : / ˈstæləktaɪt / , US : / stəˈlæktaɪt / ; from the Greek stalasso , ( σταλάσσω ) , `` to drip '' , and meaning `` that which drips '' ) is a type of formation that hangs from the ceiling of caves , hot springs , or manmade structures such as bridges and mines . Any material which is soluble , can be deposited as a colloid , or is in suspension , or is capable of being melted , may form a stalactite . Stalactites may be composed of lava , minerals , mud , peat , pitch , sand , sinter , and amberat ( crystallized urine of pack rats ) . A stalactite is not necessarily a speleothem , though speleothems are the most common form of stalactite because of the abundance of limestone caves . </P>
<P> A stalactite ( UK : / ˈstæləktaɪt / , US : / stəˈlæktaɪt / ; from the Greek stalasso , ( σταλάσσω ) , `` to drip '' , and meaning `` that which drips '' ) is a type of formation that hangs from the ceiling of caves , hot springs , or manmade structures such as bridges and mines . Any material which is soluble , can be deposited as a colloid , or is in suspension , or is capable of being melted , may form a stalactite . Stalactites may be composed of lava , minerals , mud , peat , pitch , sand , sinter , and amberat ( crystallized urine of pack rats ) . A stalactite is not necessarily a speleothem , though speleothems are the most common form of stalactite because of the abundance of limestone caves . </P>
what are natural structures hanging from a cave ceiling
what are natural structures hanging from a cave ceiling
A stalactite
A stalactite