flowstone

[ floh-stohn ]

noun

, Petrology.

1. a layered deposit of calcium carbonate, CaCO 3 , left by thin sheets of flowing water, as in a cave.

Word History and Origins

Origin of flowstone¹

1920–25, Amer.; flow + stone

Example Sentences

The researchers, including experts from Johannesburg and France, examined radioactive decay in rocks buried at the same time as the fossils, whereas earlier estimates were based on calcite flowstone deposits.

From Washington Post

She also had flowstone and a rare kind of red obsidian, which originated outside of the UK.

From BBC

The walls of the cavern, wreathed in flowstone, glittered in brown and gray.

From New York Times

There are many examples of early cave art that have yet to be dated with the latest flowstone method.

From New York Times

Their light playing over the wet flowstone walls.

From Literature