Final answer:
Chemical limestone that forms in caves, consisting of formations like stalactites and stalagmites, is called speleothem. These structures result from pH-dependent solubility equilibria involving the dissolution and precipitation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
Step-by-step explanation:
Physically precipitated (chemical) limestone that forms in caves is termed speleothem. These cave formations include stalactites and stalagmites, which are deposits of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). The process occurs through a series of pH-dependent solubility equilibria where carbon dioxide-rich water dissolves limestone and then, as the water loses CO2 due to evaporation or warming, leads to the precipitation of CaCO3.
The resulting structures, created over thousands of years, add to the magnificent and fantastical cave landscapes like those seen in Carlsbad Caverns, Mammoth Cave, and the Stone Forest in Yunnan Province, China.