* Stalactites hang from the ceiling of a cave. They are formed by dripping water that contains dissolved minerals. As the water evaporates, the minerals are left behind, gradually building up into a cone-shaped structure.

* Stalagmites form on the floor of a cave, beneath stalactites. They are created by the dripping water that falls from the stalactites, leaving behind minerals that build up in a mound-like shape.

Sometimes, stalactites and stalagmites can grow together to form a column.