travertino

Travertine, or travertino in Italian, is a sedimentary rock formed by the rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate from mineral-rich waters, typically near springs and geothermal areas. Deposits accumulate as beds, nodules, or terrace-like sheets and can be quarried for building stone. Famous examples occur at thermal terraces such as Pamukkale and in historic quarry locations in Italy that supplied stone for ancient architecture.

Chemically, travertine is mainly calcite or aragonite. Impurities impart a spectrum of colors from white and cream to beige, ochre, or reddish tones. The rock is typically porous and often shows banded or fibrous textures. It forms when CO2 degasses from supersaturated waters, precipitating layered calcium carbonate.

Travertine has been used in construction since antiquity; in Rome it provided the material for many monuments and public buildings. In modern architecture it remains popular for floors, façades, and decorative elements because it can be cut into blocks or slabs and finished in various ways.

Because of its porosity, travertine is relatively susceptible to weathering and acid rain and may require sealing and maintenance. Quarrying and processing continue to produce varieties and finishes for interior and exterior use.