sedimentary
Travertine
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 3 on the Mohs scale; light cream to tan color; dull to sub-vitreous luster; microcrystalline or compact fibrous crystal structure; specific gravity around 2.5-2.7.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Travertine in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness 3 on the Mohs scale; light cream to tan color; dull to sub-vitreous luster; microcrystalline or compact fibrous crystal structure; specific gravity around 2.5-2.7.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the precipitation of carbonate minerals from supersaturated hydrothermal waters, commonly around hot springs or limestone caves.
Uses & applications
Extensively used as building material, floor tiles, paving, and decorative countertops.
Geological facts
Travertine has been used in construction since ancient times, notably in building the Roman Colosseum.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its characteristic porous, pitted texture and layered banding. Common globally around geothermal features.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossil-bearing concretion, possibly containing a fossil shell or other organic inclusion
Calcareous concretion; exact fossil and host-rock composition are not identifiable from the image
fossil
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary