Travertii

Travertii is the plural form used for travertine, a calcium carbonate rock deposited by mineral-rich waters, especially near springs and along classically active hydrothermal areas. Travertine forms when calcium carbonate precipitates from supersaturated groundwater as carbon dioxide degasses at or near the surface. This process often creates layered, porous masses that may fill cavities or spread as terraces, deposits, or flowstones.

The rock is primarily composed of calcite (CaCO3), with aragonite occurring in some deposits. Its texture ranges from dense to highly porous and fibrous, and it frequently displays concentric, banded laminations in pale cream, white, or gray hues. Impurities such as iron oxides can impart rusty or yellowish tones. Travertine commonly forms along hot springs, rivers, and caves, and can develop spectacular terrace formations when conditions favor rapid precipitation of calcite.

Geographic distribution is widespread. Prominent examples include the travertine terraces of Pamukkale in Turkey, the ancient Roman quarries near Tivoli and other Italian sites, and the travertine features at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, United States. Smaller deposits occur in many countries, including Iran, Mexico, Peru, and China.

Uses and significance: travertine has been quarried as a durable building material since antiquity and remains a popular architectural stone today. It is valued for its natural color variations and unique textures, though its porosity means it can be more susceptible to weathering than denser stones unless properly finished or sealed. The term travertine, and its plural forms, are names tied to deposits formed by carbonate precipitation; the Italian plural travertini is common in local usage.