Sage-Tips

What does the word speleothem mean?

cave deposit
Definition of speleothem : a cave deposit or formation.

What are examples of speleothem?

Examples of speleothems are stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, cave coral, cave drapery, cave curtains, and cave crystals.

What is a speleothem formation?

Speleothems, sometimes referred to as formations or decorations, are cave features formed by the deposition of minerals. The word speleothem is derived from the Greek words spelaion meaning “cave” and thema meaning “deposit”. The speleothems with which most people are familiar are stalactites and stalagmites.

How many types of speleothems are there?

Cave Minerals of the World (Hill, 1997) refers to 38 different types of speleothems and numerous subtypes and varieties.

What are the two types of speleothems?

Two of the most common and popular types of speleothems are stalactites and stalagmites. Stalactites grow downward from cave ceilings. They begin to form as straws but eventually grow into stalactites as the straw form becomes blocked with calcite.

How much are cave pearls worth?

The value of a pearl can vary dramatically depending on many factors, such as its type, size, color, surface quality, and more. A wild pearl will be worth more than a cultured pearl. However, on average, a pearl’s value ranges from $300 to $1500.

How fast do speleothems grow?

An average growth rate is 0.13 mm (0.0051 inches) a year. The quickest growing stalactites are those formed by a constant supply of slow dripping water rich in calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and carbon dioxide (CO2), which can grow at 3 mm (0.12 inches) per year.

What are benefits of speleothems?

Analysis of organic matter in speleothems offers potential vegetation and temperature proxies. Understanding OM sources, transport and alteration is key to robust interpretation of records. Novel approaches including trace element analysis offer the potential to acquire high temporal resolution records of OM input.

Where are speleothems located?

calcareous caves
Speleothems most commonly form in calcareous caves due to carbonate dissolution reactions. They can take a variety of forms, depending on their depositional history and environment. Their chemical composition, gradual growth, and preservation in caves make them useful paleoclimatic proxies.

How quickly do speleothems typically grow?

Stalactites and stalagmites are speleothems formed by water dripping or flowing from fractures on the ceiling of a cave. In caves, stalagmites grow rather slowly (0.00028-0.0366 in/yr [0.007-0.929 mm/yr]), while in artificial tunnels and basements they grow much faster.

How can I tell if a pearl is real?

Rub the pearls against your front teeth. Rub them against your teeth with a side-to-side motion. A real pearl will usually have a slightly rough or gritty texture from tiny scale-like imperfections in its outer layers of nacre. Fake pearls made from glass or plastic will usually be almost perfectly smooth.

What is a pearl necklace worth?

How Much Are Real Pearls Worth? A traditional strand of white pearls can range from $100 (Freshwater pearl necklace) to $10,000 (Akoya pearl necklace). A strand of large, flawless South Sea pearls could even be valued as high as $100,000+ .