sedimentary
Travertine
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 3 on the Mohs scale, Color: Beige, tan, white, or cream, Luster: Dull to vitreous, Crystal Structure: Trigonal (as calcite)
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous, Crystal Structure: Trigonal (as calcite)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3 on the Mohs scale, Color: Beige, tan, white, or cream, Luster: Dull to vitreous, Crystal Structure: Trigonal (as calcite)
Formation & geological history
Formed by the precipitation of carbonate minerals from ground and surface waters, or geothermal hot springs, often accumulating in limestone caves or around hot springs.
Uses & applications
Widely used in architecture for building facades, wall cladding, flooring, interior design, and garden landscaping.
Geological facts
Travertine has been used as a building material since ancient Roman times; the Colosseum in Rome is largely constructed from travertine.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its characteristic fibrous or concentric layering and typical pitted, porous surface texture. Common in regions with active geothermal springs such as Italy, Turkey, and Yellowstone in the US.
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