sedimentary
Travertine
Terrestrial Sedimentary Limestone (CaCO3)
Hardness: 3-4 (Mohs); Color: Tan, beige, white, cream; Luster: Dull to earthy; Structure: Microcrystalline, porous with visible vugs; Specific Gravity: 2.7
- Hardness
- 3-4 (Mohs)
- Color
- Tan, beige, white, cream
- Luster
- Dull to earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3-4 (Mohs); Color: Tan, beige, white, cream; Luster: Dull to earthy; Structure: Microcrystalline, porous with visible vugs; Specific Gravity: 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. The characteristic pitting is caused by trapped gas or organic matter breakdown.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a building material for flooring, wall cladding, and pavers. Smaller specimens are collected for decorative aquarium rocks or garden landscaping.
Geological facts
The Colosseum in Rome is the largest building in the world constructed mostly of travertine. It is a form of limestone that is chemically related to tufa.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its light weight relative to appearance, visible pits (vacuoles), and positive reaction (fizzing) when exposed to weak acid. Common in geothermal areas like Yellowstone or Turkey.
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