Cave Popcorn

Formed on cave walls, the sides of other formations, and at the edges of pools.

Dolomitic Limestone

The North American craton was periodically flooded by shallow seas that left behind widespread layers of sediment, which formed a veneer of sedimentary rocks like this dolomitic limestone.

Flowstone

This special type of flowstone called drapery was deposited by water flowing down a cave wall.

Limestone

Limestone, faulted into blocks. Movement in a fault zone chopped this layered rock into pieces, which tilted like books on a shelf.

Limestone with ammonites

Psiloceras planoribis, Lower Jurassic period. What time is it? If you found this index fossil in a rock, you'd know. The animal was once widespread but quickly became extinct. Only a small percentage of fossils meet these criteria.

Stalactite

An icicle-shaped formation that grew down from a cave roof. Early in their growth, stalactites resemble soda straws.

Stalagmite

A pillar-shaped formation that grew up from a cave floor. The drip and flow of water, along with the varying rate of growth, produced this specimen's texture.