Formations in Redcliffe Caves
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Straw stalactites growing from the Railway Style Arch in Redcliffe Caves.

The straws are formed from water percolating though the concrete in between the bricks and picking up a mineral called gypsum.

As each drip falls the gypsum is re deposited in the form of a straw stalactite. These straws are hollow, the water running down the centre of the straw, and are very fragile.

The straws grow very quickly approximately a foot (12 inches) every 10 years. There are similar formations in natural caves but the mineral that forms the straws is calcium carbonate - these straws grow very slowly

To protect these straws from being broken a scaffolding and chicken wire cage was built around them.


Photograph : Eric Burke(Mole) (2005)

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