It then releases it's accumulated Carbon Dioxide which results in a minute amount of calcium carbonate being deposited on the cave ceiling. This is the beginning of Stalactite. The growing stalactite is at first like a soda straw with a hollow channel. At some later point, the channel may become clogged and the mineral water runs on the outside of the soda straw causing a carrot like shape to develop. As excess mineral water drips to the cave floor, it also begins to build up with the accumulating mineral deposit being called a Stalagmite, which is usually mound or cone shape.
Stalagmites are always solid.
When mineral water runs down a wall it deposits layers of calcite which are called Flowstone. In some cases, the water will lay in a depression, and then periodically over flow and deposit a ring of calcite. This is the method of formation of the water Basins or Rimstone Dams you see in the Rock Organ area. The Organ Cave System is one of the longest, best-known, and most significant caves in the United States. It had a very long history of exploration and scientific study, and it is a cave of international stature and reputation.