Here is the original Virtual Cave, devoted to the astounding variety of nature's handiwork found in solution caves, those dissolved out of solid rock by acidic waters. Most solution caves are found in carbonate rocks (limestone, dolomite, or marble) or gypsum. They may also occur in sandstones, since carbonates often form the "glue" that holds sandstone together.

Typically, caves are dissolved while they are below the water table. It is only after the cave is drained and exposed to air that the deposition of secondary mineral features or speleothems may begin. The pages below should provide a glimpse of the amazing variety of these features. Look all you want, but please don't touch, as these are fragile things formed over thousands of years. Enjoy them but leave them intact for the next visitor! The caver's motto is "Take nothing but pictures, cave softly, and leave no trace of your visit."

To see how these features look in an idealized cave, use our very cool Virtual Cave image map (best on displays of 1024x768 or better, others will have to scroll). You can navigate the site with the map or choose from the list of speleothems below. Some in the text list are not on the map, so check that for more.