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Cave Minerals

Almost all the minerals that form in caves belong to one of three mineral groups or families:

Carbonates
Sulfates
Oxides/Hydroxides

All are soluble to a greater or lesser degree, depending on soil and groundwater chemistry, which may cause them to alternate between precipitating and dissolving as conditions change. 

Each of these groups displays a remarkable range of variation in form and color depending on the host rock types in which they form, the rocks in the surrounding area, the degree of weathering, the extent of soils development and last but not least, the climate.

Click on one of the following buttons for examples


The Common Carbonates
Sulfates
Oxides / Hydroxides
or
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  • Home
  • About Us
  • Membership
  • Merchandise
  • Caving Gear
    • Reserve Loaner Gear
  • Events
  • Meetings
  • Karst
  • Projects
    • North Cave
    • Jewel Cave Project
    • Wind Cave Project
    • Reeds Cave Project
    • Hideaway Mine
  • Contact Us
  • Members Only
    • Request Access to Members Area
    • Pro Deals and discounts
    • Meeting Minutes
    • Carbide Flash Archive
    • Grotto Meeting Recordings
  • BHCNC
  • COURSES
    • ORIENTATION TO CAVE RESCUE