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How to Make Stalactites for Experiments

In their natural state, stalactites form as mineral-rich water seeps from cavern ceilings. As the water evaporates, the minerals within the liquid are left behind, gradually forming long, cone-shaped structures. Over time, these once-suspended structures will gain girth and eventually meet the floor, resembling a pillar. For experiment purposes, stalactites can be grown in a matter of days using the natural siphoning effect of mineral-rich water as it moves through a cotton string, evaporates and dries.

Things You'll Need

Epsom salt
Water
2 glass jars
Cotton string
Scissors
Spoon

Instructions

- 1
  Place the two jars 6 inches apart.
- 2
  Pour water into each jar, filling them to three quarters full.
- 3
  Mix Epsom salt into each water-filled jar with a spoon until the water becomes a thick solution --- about the consistency of oatmeal --- is achieved.
- 4
  Cut 20 inches of cotton string, and place one end of the string into one jar. Drop the other end of the string into the second jar. Let the string sag slightly in the 6 inches between the jars, ensuring the string does not touch the ground. The salt water will climb the string, collect at the low point of the sagging string and turn into a stalactite over the course of two to three days.

Rocks & Minerals