sedimentary
Travertine
Travertine (CaCO3 - Calcium Carbonate)
Hardness: 3-4 (Mohs scale); Color: White, cream, tan, or rust-colored; Luster: Dull to pearly/greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (as microcrystalline calcite or aragonite); Cleavage: Perfect in three directions (microscopic level); Specific Gravity: 2.71
- Hardness
- 3-4 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- White, cream, tan, or rust-colored
- Luster
- Dull to pearly/greasy
Identified More sedimentary →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3-4 (Mohs scale); Color: White, cream, tan, or rust-colored; Luster: Dull to pearly/greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (as microcrystalline calcite or aragonite); Cleavage: Perfect in three directions (microscopic level); Specific Gravity: 2.71
Formation & geological history
Formed by the rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate, often at the mouth of hot springs or in limestone caves. It is a terrestrial sedimentary rock, typically Quaternary to Tertiary in age, resulting from high mineral content in groundwater.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for flooring, wall cladding, and pavers. Historically used to build the Colosseum in Rome. Also used in sculpture and landscape design.
Geological facts
Travertine is technically a form of limestone that is unique due to its porous nature, caused by gas bubbles trapped during formation. The word 'travertine' is derived from the Italian town Tivoli, known as Tibur in Roman times, where massive deposits occur.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its distinctive pitted/porous texture (vugs) and concentric or fibrous banding. It reacts strongly (fizzes) with cold diluted hydrochloric acid. Commonly found in Italy, Turkey, Mexico, and Yellowstone National Park (USA).
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Sandstone (Quartz-rich)
Arenite (SiO2)
sedimentary
Sandstone (with man-made markings)
Arenite (composed primarily of Quartz, SiO2)
sedimentary