What is travertine?

Travertine is a limestone formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate from spring water, often from hot springs. When lime-rich water reaches the surface, carbon dioxide escapes and calcium carbonate is precipitated. Plant remains and gas bubbles are trapped in the process. Over time these disappear, leaving the characteristic voids and holes. The name derives from the Latin lapis tiburtinus, stone from Tibur, today’s Tivoli near Rome.

Characteristics

• Layered structure with irregular holes and voids.
• Colours from cream and beige to yellow, brown and reddish, depending on iron and other minerals.
• Softer than granite, comparable to other limestones.
• Acid-sensitive: as a limestone, travertine is etched by acids such as vinegar, lemon juice, cola, wine and limescale removers.

Uses

Travertine has been used since Roman times. The Colosseum in Rome is built largely of travertine. Today you will find it as:

• floor tiles, indoors and (frost-resistant grades) outdoors;
• wall cladding and facade panels;
• stair treads, window sills and worktops;
• patio paving and pool surrounds.

Finishes

• Filled: the surface holes are filled with a colour-matched filler, giving a smooth surface that is easy to clean.
• Unfilled: the holes stay open for a natural, rustic look, but dirt collects in them more easily.
• Honed, polished, brushed or tumbled: from smooth and matt to glossy, or with softened edges.

Care tips

• Use a pH-neutral cleaner. Never vinegar, abrasives or limescale removers.
• Seal the stone after laying and periodically afterwards, as advised by the supplier, to limit staining.
• Wipe up acidic drinks immediately; acid that soaks in leaves dull marks.
• Outdoors, only use travertine the supplier states is frost-resistant, and make sure water drains away.
• Dull or worn floors can often be reground and honed or polished by a stone specialist.

Related terms

• Limestone
• Marble
• Natural stone maintenance
• Natural stone finishes
• Impregnating
• Amphitheatre

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