Coralloid
Coralloid (coral-shaped) may refer to: * Cave popcorn, small nodes of calcite, aragonite or gypsum that form on surfaces in caves * Coral shaped forms in plants such as roots of cycads, see Glossary of botanical terms {{disambiguation ...
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Cave Popcorn
Cave popcorn, or coralloids, are small nodes of calcite, aragonite or gypsum that form on surfaces in caves, especially limestone caves. They are a common type of speleothem. Appearance The individual nodules of cave popcorn range in size from 5 to 20 mm and may be decorated by other speleothems, especially aragonite needles or frostwork. The nodules tend to grow in clusters on bedrock or the sides of other speleothems. These clusters may terminate suddenly in either an upward or downward direction, forming a stratographic layer. When they terminate in a downward direction, they may appear as flat bottomed formations known as trays. Individual nodes of popcorn can assume a variety of shapes from round to flattened ear or button like shapes. The color of cave popcorn is usually white, but various other colors are possible depending on the composition. Formation Cave popcorn can form by precipitation. Water seeping through limestone walls or splashing onto them leaves depo ...
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