Travertine

Travertine is a form of limestone layered in mineral springs, and especially in hot springs. Travertine often has a fibrous or concentric structure and exists in white, yellow-brown color, there are also creamy-rusty shades. It is formed during the process of rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate, often in the mouths of hot springs or in limestone caves. At a later stage, stalactites and stalagmites and other speleological formations may form. It is often used in Italy as a building material.

Travertine is a sedimentary rock formed by the precipitation of carbonate minerals from a solution in surface waters or geothermal hot springs. Similar alluvial forms, but softer and extremely porous, are known as TUFA.

Travertine is often used as a building material. Roman travertine deposits were essential in the construction of temples, aqueducts, monuments, baths and amphitheaters, such as the Colosseum, the largest building built mainly of travertine.

Travertine is one of the natural stones used to pave patios and garden paths. It is sometimes known as travertine-limestone and travertine-marble. These are the same stones, although travertine is classified primarily as limestone and not as marble. The stone is characterized by small holes and uneven surface. Although these characteristics of the stone are natural, they suggest faster wear over time. Some craftsmen use cement mortar to fill the holes and roughness, and some leave the holes unfilled. Travertine can be ordered “filled” and “unfilled”. It is possible to polish it to a smooth surface, varying in color from gray to coral red. Travertine can most often be found on the market in size as paving slabs. It is the most common material in modern architecture. In most cases it is used for facades, wall coverings and flooring. The relative softness of the stone in combination with its holes and cracks makes it difficult to maintain and polish. Intensive processing, sometimes called honing, can reveal previous air cavities in the stone, which significantly change the appearance of the floor.

Travertine is one of the most frequently used stones in modern architecture. It is commonly used for facades, wall cladding, and flooring. The relative softness of the stone, combined with its holes and troughs, make travertine flooring difficult to finish and maintain. Aggressive grinding – sometimes called honing – can reveal previously hidden air pockets that significantly change the look of the floor.

Travertine