helictites
/hɪˈlɪktaɪts/
noun
- Unusual, twisted or spiral-shaped mineral formations that grow from cave ceilings or walls, often branching in different directions.
- Scientists study helictites to understand how water and minerals interact in caves.
- The cave was famous for its delicate helictites that seemed to defy gravity.
- Tourists marveled at the helictites, which looked like frozen spirals of stone.