What is travertine?

We frequently list properties that have Travertine tile in it and so we had decided to provide a simplistic definition that will also provide some of the benefits.

 What is travertine?

Travertine belongs to the larger family of stone called limestone also known as Calcium Carbonate. Marble is also a type of limestone that has had additional heat and pressure applied to it by the earth's crust. Travertine is formed by minerals dissolving in ground water and then being deposited on the earth's surface by rivers, natural springs, or geysers.

Travertine comes in many different colors including ivory, beige, walnut, noce, and gold. The color of travertine is the result of iron compounds or other organic impurities.  Travertine is quarried in huge blocks and is processed, sometimes onsite, into smaller ones. It can be cross-cut (known as saturnia) which means it is cut along with the grain of the stone, making it more uniformly textured and colored. Or it can be vein-cut meaning it's cut across several layers of the stone bedding. This method results in a tiger-striped, mottle effect when processed into tiles.

Travertine can have four major finishes, polished (shiny), honed (matte), brushed and tumbled (textured surfaces). The type of finish given to the travertine will determine how shiny the surface will be. The polished and honed surfaces are flat and smooth, while the brushed and tumbled surfaces are flat and textured. The polished surface is the shiniest, while the tumbled surface reflects the least amount of light. The most common finish for travertine is honed.

Travertine has been used in the construction of buildings for thousands of year. In today's construction, travertine is used for flooring, cladding on buildings, showers, wall coverings and counter tops.

Travertine is a natural stone product. Because the minerals that make up travertine are highly reactive with acidic solutions (e.g. citrus juices, vinegar), a major consideration is where the travertine will be installed and what it will be exposed to.  Careful consideration should be given when installing in kitchens. Sealers will provide some protection to the stone no matter what the environment, but knowing what it will be exposed to will help you decide whether travertine is a good fit for your project. it can be a good idea to periodically strip and reseal the tile to keep it in good condition.