Which feature hangs from the ceiling of a cave and is formed by mineral deposits?

Stalactites are formations that hang from the ceiling of a cave and are created by the dripping of mineral-rich water. As water seeps through the cave ceiling, it leaves behind minerals such as calcium carbonate when it evaporates. Over time, these minerals accumulate, forming icicle-shaped structures that grow downward. Stalactites are often found in limestone caves and serve as a visible indicator of the erosion and deposition processes that occur in these environments.

The other options describe different cave formations: stalagmites grow upward from the cave floor and are formed similarly to stalactites, while columns are formed when stalactites and stalagmites join together, and flowstone is a sheet-like formation created by water flowing over a surface. Each of these features has its unique formation process and appearance, but stalactites specifically are distinguished by their hanging nature and the process of mineral deposit formation from dripping water.