10 Interesting Facts About Travertine You Should Know

Have you heard of Travertine? Travertine is a natural stone formed through sedimentary processes and has been employed in interior design for centuries. It is well-known for its durability and timeless beauty.

Travertine is one of the most widely utilized stones for construction due to its fibrous, marble-like texture and appealing earth-tone colours. What makes Travertine unique from other natural stones? The development of the rock, the stone’s hardness, and its look make this stone stand out. The metamorphic rock types of marble and limestone are different from Travertine. Travertine can be found primarily in hot springs and limestone caverns. Travertine has historically been used extensively in construction and art, but today the majority of Travertine sold comes from Turkey, Iran, Mexico, and Peru.

Here are a few fascinating facts about Travertine that you might not know. 

1. Travertine is one of the oldest known building materials. It was used in construction in ancient times, first appearing in ancient Rome over two thousand years ago. The Colosseum, one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, was constructed entirely with travertine blocks. 
2. While it is often referred to as “travertine marble”, they are two different stone types. Travertine is made of limestone, while marble is created from metamorphic rock. It also has a much higher level of polish and shine than Travertine.  
3. Travertine comes in various colours, including white, tan, beige, red and grey. The colour can vary significantly between pieces or batches depending on where it’s sourced from and its treatment during production. 
4. Travertine tile is available in several sizes and shapes to suit any design need – from large slabs for commercial use to small tiles suitable for residential applications such as walls and floors. 
5. Unlike other types of stone (such as granite or quartzite, which require sealing to protect them from spills and staining), Travertine naturally seals itself due to its low porosity. This makes it an ideal choice for wet areas like bathrooms or outdoor patios where moisture can be an issue. 
6. When exposed to acidic substances like lemon juice or vinegar over time, Travertine can show signs of discolouration due to chemical reactions within the stone itself – so make sure you don’t leave acidic food or drinks sitting on your travertine surfaces.
7. Travertine is also incredibly heat resistant, so you don’t have to worry about hot pans scalding your surfaces when placed directly onto them (but always use appropriate pot holders).  
8. Travertine pavers are becoming increasingly popular for outdoor landscaping projects due to their ability to withstand harsh Australian weather conditions such as rain and snow without sustaining damage – making them perfect for driveways or pool decks.
9. The distinctive holes found in some pieces of Travertine occur naturally during formation when mineral-rich hot springs react with carbon dioxide gas trapped inside the earth’s crust – creating pitted cavities that give each slab its unique character.   
10. The abundance of naturally occurring patterns on many pieces makes it easy to create stunning mosaics out of individual tiles – giving you plenty of creative freedom when designing with this beautiful material. 

Where to Buy Travertine

Travertine is an incredibly versatile material with a long history that makes it perfect for any interior design project – whether you’re looking for something classic or contemporary. With its unique characteristics like self-sealing properties and stunning patterns available in various colours, there’s no limit to what you can do with this fantastic natural stone. 

So if you’re looking for something unique that will add timeless beauty and lasting value to your home decorating project, check out the Travertine gallery to see our designs. You can also consult our interior and home design experts on how to best use Travertine for your project. Contact us for a free quote.