The chemical weathering associated with the formation of stalagtites and stalagmites is dissolution and precipitation.

- Dissolution: Water seeping through cracks in the soil and rocks above a cave dissolves calcium carbonate minerals, such as calcite.

- Precipitation: When this water drips from the ceiling of the cave, it loses carbon dioxide gas and the dissolved calcium carbonate is deposited as stalactites on the ceiling and stalagmites on the floor.