Travertine is a sedimentary stone, formed by the rapid precipitation of calcium carbonates in mineral springs. It is classified as a type of limestone. It forms naturally at the mouths of hot springs and in limestone caves where it forms stalactites, stalagmites, and other cave or deposit formations (also known as speleothems). Travertine is a light-colored stone, available in shades of white, tan, cream, or sometimes coral, and often has concentric bands or stringy bands of color.
Travertine is obtained mainly from Italy or Turkey, as well as from some quarries in the US states of Oklahoma and Texas. It has been mined and used for construction in Italy since Ancient Rome and has great historical significance. The stone was used, for example, to build the famous colonnade in St. Peter’s Square in Rome in 1500. Michelangelo also chose travertine for the external ribs of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Travertine natural phenomena have formed spectacular terraces, walls and dams around the world. One of the most famous travertine sites is Pamukkale in Turkey, which contains seventeen hot springs and a series of travertine terraces reaching a height of 160 meters. Natural stone terraces have been formed from deposits left by streams rich in carbonate minerals. The ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis was built over the hot springs in the 2nd century BC. C. and the site is now an archaeological museum and a World Heritage tourist site.
Quarry travertine is typically 50 million years old, making it a very special material to use for construction and landscaping. As with any stone from this era, the travertine used in pavers and other building materials is distinguished by its natural variations in color, texture, and pattern.
Travertine is extremely strong, recognized to be twice as strong as concrete, making it suitable for use in all areas of construction, from pool surrounds to interior floors, countertops, patio pavers, patio and driveways. Travertine is salt resistant, slip resistant, and stays cool in hot weather, making it the perfect stone for any outdoor application.
Travertine can be purchased in two forms, either filled and polished or unfilled, polished and polished. Filler is sometimes used to give the stone a smoother appearance and to compensate for naturally occurring holes in the surface. Travertine can be polished to a high-quality finish for elegant interior applications, or left in its natural state for exterior paving and wall cladding.
