In geology, frostwork is a type of speleothem with acicular growths almost always composed of aragonite or calcite replaced aragonite. It is a variety of anthodite. Frostwork can also be made of opal or gypsum. In some caves frostwork may grow on top of cave popcorn or boxwork.

What does Frost refer to?

1 : a covering of tiny ice crystals on a cold surface formed from the water vapor in the air. 2 : temperature cold enough to cause freezing.

How is Frostwork formed?

Formation. ... Formation of cave frostwork has been attributed to moist, circulating air which, containing dissolved calcium carbonate, drifted against rock surfaces and coated them with the delicate crystals.