sedimentary
Travertine
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, typically white, cream, or tan with a vitreous to dull luster and porous or banded crystal structure.
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 of 3 on the Mohs scale, typically white, cream, or tan with a vitreous to dull luster and porous or banded crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the precipitation of carbonate minerals from supersaturated hydrothermal or surface waters, commonly around hot springs or caves.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction for flooring, wall tiles, and architectural facades, as well as in decorative stone carvings.
Geological facts
Famous structures like the Colosseum in Rome are largely built from travertine. It features characteristic porous cavities formed by trapped gas bubbles and organic matter.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its porous, fibrous texture and vigorous effervescence when tested with dilute hydrochloric acid. Found globally near geothermal features and limestone caves.
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