sedimentary
Travertine
Terrestrial Sedimentary Limestone (CaCO3)
Hardness: 3-4 (Mohs), Color: Tan, beige, cream, or gold with pitted holes, Luster: Dull to pearly when polished, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Microcrystalline, Specific gravity: 2.4-2.7
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3-4 (Mohs), Color: Tan, beige, cream, or gold with pitted holes, Luster: Dull to pearly when polished, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Microcrystalline, Specific gravity: 2.4-2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed by the rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate, often at the mouth of a hot spring or in a limestone cave. It is an accumulation of calcite and aragonite layers over hundreds to thousands of years.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a building material for flooring, wall cladding, and backsplashes. It is also used in sculptures and outdoor paving due to its aesthetic appeal and durability.
Geological facts
The Colosseum in Rome is the largest building in the world constructed mostly of travertine. It is often confused with marble, but unlike marble which is metamorphic, travertine is a sedimentary rock.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its fibrous or concentric appearance and characteristic voids (pits) caused by gas bubbles or organic material during formation. Commonly found in Italy, Turkey, and Yellowstone National Park.
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