where does the water that forms stalagmites come from
A stalactite also known as dripstone, is like a stone icicle on the ceiling of a limestone cave. It develops when water, in which minerals (usually primarily calcium carbonate) is dissolved, drips though cracks in cave ceiling. As the water falls, it leaves behind microscopic amounts of the mineral. Over time, this collects to form an icicle-like structure. Note that a stalagmite is like an upside-down stalactite growing up from the floor. When water drips from a stalactite and hits the cave floor, there is often a microscopic mineral deposit left there as well. This deposit builds up over time. It is possible, by the way, for a stalactite and stalagmite to meet, forming a mineral column.