sedimentary
Travertine
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, tan to cream color with porous texture, dull to shiny luster, and trigonal 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, tan to cream color with porous texture, dull to shiny luster, and trigonal crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the precipitation of carbonate minerals from supersaturated hydrothermal waters, often around hot springs or limestone caves.
Uses & applications
Widely used in architecture for flooring, wall cladding, and patio pavers, as well as in ornamental carvings.
Geological facts
Famous ancient structures like the Colosseum in Rome were built largely using travertine stone quarried nearby.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its characteristic fibrous or concentric banding and visible tiny cavities; commonly found in Italy, Turkey, and the US.
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