Do you remember those prehistoric creatures and marine life that played such an intrinsic part in the laying down of the limestone? A mineral called calcium carbonate is stored in the skeletons and shells of the sea creatures who lived in the sea water. Limestone is made up of at least 50% of this mineral.
Limestone itself is non-porous. It has a crystalline structure which means it does not absorb water. But the fissures and fractures that were created in the rock beds by the formation of mountains, exposed the limestone and allowed acidic rain and soil water to run between the fissures. This acidic water dissolved the calcium carbonate, creating an environment where caves begin to develop.
Our “Corn on the Cob” stalactite and the “Soft Mud” stalagmite below it are formed by water dripping from the ceiling and depositing small amounts of that mineral calcium carbonate (now known as calcite).
The stalactite has been dated to be approximately 6,000 years old. It is one of the largest stalactites in the system measuring over 2 meters long.
At this stop, you can move from science to wonder…you will see the oldest part of the cave which is over one million years old. It is formed by a series of tunnels eroding over time and eventually interconnecting with each other.