travertines

Travertine is a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs, particularly hot springs. It is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of microcrystalline calcite and characterized by fibrous or concentric textures and a highly porous matrix. Travertine forms when calcium carbonate precipitates from supersaturated waters as carbon dioxide degasses, typically at the mouths of springs, along river terraces, or in limestone caves. Rapid deposition often creates layered beds and distinctive banding, with porous, honeycomb-like cavities in many samples.

Color and appearance vary from white and cream to tan or reddish-brown, depending on impurities such as iron oxide or organic matter. The rock can be dense or highly porous, and its surface can be honed, polished, or left with a natural, rustic finish.

Travertine occurs in many parts of the world, including notable deposits near Tivoli in Italy, Pamukkale in Turkey, and Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park. It has been quarried and used extensively as a building material for centuries.

In architecture and sculpture, travertine has been used for façades, pavements, columns, and decorative elements. It is valued for its pale color, ease of workability, and the warm tones it can impart. Because travertine is porous, it is susceptible to weathering and staining and is often sealed for outdoor use; cleaning typically involves mild, non-abrasive products.