Peter Burgess
New member
Does anyone have any ideas about what moonmilk is, and more particularly the sort of places it can 'grow'?
In Barons' Cave in Reigate, which is dug in the silver sand beds of the Lower Greensand, and not limestone or chalk, there is a lot of soft white material on the walls. Although I have not checked it, I am told it fizzes in acid, suggesting it is calcium carbonate. Here is a picture. Could it be moonmilk? It has grown in about 200 years as it fills in the carved dates and initials from that time. About 10 years ago, you could also make out the date 1677 in one spot, but I'm blowed if I can see it now. I am sure the white stuff has covered it completely.
In Barons' Cave in Reigate, which is dug in the silver sand beds of the Lower Greensand, and not limestone or chalk, there is a lot of soft white material on the walls. Although I have not checked it, I am told it fizzes in acid, suggesting it is calcium carbonate. Here is a picture. Could it be moonmilk? It has grown in about 200 years as it fills in the carved dates and initials from that time. About 10 years ago, you could also make out the date 1677 in one spot, but I'm blowed if I can see it now. I am sure the white stuff has covered it completely.