Calcite-filled cavity

Calcite crystal crust on the walls of Jewel Cave. The calcite grew on the walls during a late stage of cavern development when water still filled the passage of the cavern. The water chemistry had changed, however, from dissolving calcite to precipitating calcite. The abundance and variety of crystal coatings (mineral decorations) on the cavern walls in Jewel Cave are a significant attraction to visitors (Thompson, 2007b).