How do anthodites differ from most calcite cave formations?

Anthodites differ from most common cave formations in two primary ways: their mineral composition and their physical structure.

• Mineral Composition: While the majority of cave speleothems are composed of calcite, anthodites are typically composed of aragonite. Although both are forms of calcium carbonate, they possess different crystal habits, or shapes of individual crystal grains.1
• Physical Structure: Most common calcite formations, such as stalactites and stalagmites, are shaped by the movement of dripping or flowing water. In contrast, anthodites are characterized as radiating clusters of needlelike crystals. Their growth is controlled by the forces of crystal development rather than the constraints of gravitational water flow.1