Caves - Experiment 2 - Cave Icicles: How does the mineral content of water affect the formation of stalactites and stalagmites?
Experiment 2
Cave Icicles: How does the mineral content of water affect the formation of stalactites and stalagmites?
Purpose/Hypothesis
The formation of stalactites and stalagmites in a cave is a slow process that depends on the mineral content of the water and the evaporation rate. In this experiment, you will form your own mini-cave icicles using two different types of minerals.
Most caves are formed in limestone. Limestone is a form of the mineral calcite, which is made up largely of calcium carbonate. In this experiment, you will use two compounds made from similar minerals: baking soda and Epsom salt. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, a mineral that is a form of carbonate; Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, another type of mineral, but not a carbonate.
In order for the minerals to join together to make a...
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