<p>The duration cannot be estimated as it is dependent upon many other factors, such as the diameter of stalagmite/stalactite, its age etc.</p>

<p>Normally these are formed in limestone caves and sometime in salt mines as well. </p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-01-24T20:11:36.563Z
the quantity and quality of the oil deposit, the flow rate of water, plus all the items above. I'm sure there are more factors.
Tim Nevins
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-10-02T01:11:43.357Z
2014-10-02T01:19:33.407Z
2014-10-02T01:19:33.407Z
DrGhazi
<p>There is a discussion about whether touching a stalagmite or a stalactite would stop it from growing or not: <a href="https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090629155053AAYFhCM">https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090629155053AAYFhCM</a> .
The results are that the oil on human body does prevent a stalagmite or a stalactite from growing, a short while though. </p>

<p>My question is, how long does it takes for the oil to completely vanish and allow the stalagmite or stalactite to resume growing. </p>

<geology>
How long does one touch on a stalagmite/stalactite lasts?
krismath
# How long does one touch on a stalagmite/stalactite lasts?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2014-10-01)

There is a discussion about whether touching a stalagmite or a stalactite would stop it from growing or not: <https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090629155053AAYFhCM> .
The results are that the oil on human body does prevent a stalagmite or a stalactite from growing, a short while though.

My question is, how long does it takes for the oil to completely vanish and allow the stalagmite or stalactite to resume growing.

**Tags:** geology


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2014-10-02. Score: 5 | Accepted answer

The duration cannot be estimated as it is dependent upon many other factors, such as the diameter of stalagmite/stalactite, its age etc.

Normally these are formed in limestone caves and sometime in salt mines as well.

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: the quantity and quality of the oil deposit, the flow rate of water, plus all the items above. I'm sure there are more factors.  

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