helictite
/ˈhɛlɪktaɪt/
noun
- A type of cave formation that grows in twisted, spiral, or branching shapes, often defying gravity.
- The tour guide pointed out a delicate helictite that curved upward like a tiny tree branch.
- In the dark cave, a glowing helictite looked like a frozen spiral of stone.
- Scientists study helictites to understand how water and minerals create unusual cave structures.