…What is Travertine?

Simply put, travertine is a kind of stone.

In its natural state, it is a sedimentary rock, dense yet very porous, comprised of carbonate minerals such as aragonite and calcite, the residue left behind by the calcium bicarbonate in mineral water, which solidifies into calcium carbonate deposits.

When you look at unpolished, untreated or “raw” travertine you’ll see it’s very porous, almost as if soda fizz had been trapped in stone. It looks that way because that’s exactly what it is. Carbonated water permeated limestone, and then with a change of temperature and a release of carbon gas, the bubbles crystallized.

Since travertine is part of the limestone family (and marble is also a highly pressurized version of limestone converted to granite), sometimes travertine is referred to as Travertine Marble, although in fact not marble at all.

Where Does Travertine Come From?

Travertine deposits are primarily found in Tivoli, Italy.

Ancient Romans mined the region of Tivoli, then known as Tibur, and the stone was called lapis tiburtinus or tibur stone. Over time the name was altered to travertine. Italy monopolized the travertine market up until about 10 years ago, now travertine is exported from deposits in Afghanistan, Turkey, Mexico, Guatemala, and Peru.

Some Famous Buildings Made of Travertine

Travertine has been utilized in home construction since the middle ages, but the most famous edifice ever to be constructed almost entirely from travertine is the Roman Coliseum. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Paris, the Getty Center in Los Angeles, the lobby of the Willis Tower in Chicago, the first floor of the UCLA Medical Center (designed by the famous architect Welton Becket who uses travertine wall tiles in nearly all his designs)are examples of the extensive use of travertine in modern construction.

Travertine Tile Color

Pure travertine rock is naturally white. Due to organic contamination during its formation, it can take on a yellow or brown tone. Refined travertine tile comes in a variety of colors, from ivory white, tan, creamy beige and grey to rosy coral reds, auburn, deep chocolate, walnut and gold (which occurs when there is iron in the stone). Cutting travertine and laying travertine tile or wall tiles correctly can enhance the pronounced grain or veins so as to create a pattern that is unique for every area in which it is used.

Follow the series of articles here at Buy Travertine Tile which will include some lists of products, where to buy the best travertine, as well as helpful tips on travertine tile care and cleaning so it lasts a s long as the coliseum!

The Four Finishes are:

• Polished for a shiny, flat smooth surface
• Honed for matte, flat smooth surface – the most common finish.
• Brushed for a flat yet textured surface
• Tumbled for a flat yet textured surface – this finish reflects the least amount of light

*Caution –Although sealed for protection, travertine tile doesn’t react well to certain types of spills such as orange juice or vinegar.

Travertine Tile Care

It goes without saying that if you have chosen stone it’s going to last a long time even if you abuse it a little. And if you have chosen travertine wall tiles or flooring it is aesthetically pleasing. However here are a couple things you should know about travertine tile care. Bear in mind that travertine IS NOT granite or marble but originates with the limestone family, so it’s not stain resistant or indestructible.

• Travertine is a porous stone by nature, made of solidified bubbles, to simplify geology down to kindergarten level. But what this means to you is that if you spill something on your travertine countertops or mosaic tiles the spilt liquid could be absorbed into the stone unless you wipe it up quickly.*
• Travertine tiles are sensitive to acidic substances like alcoholic drinks, citrus juice and acid-based cleaners. Don’t use the ever popular vinegar and water solution to disinfect your countertops and don’t mop your travertine floor tile with any acidic cleaners that will either erode the surface or leave nasty stains.
• It is easily stained unless it has been entirely sealed and even then may still be susceptible to discoloration by water or juice. Try to select wall tiles that will be used as backsplashes and travertine countertops and shower tiles that are the most water-resistant as possible and have been well sealed. Ask your retailer about sealants and make sure whoever does your tile installation fills the crevices with grout and finishes everything with a final protective sealer.

Don’t panic just yet about travertine porosity, stain-ability or erode- ability. Most people who have installed these tiles in their homes know that it takes very little care to keep the tile looking great. In fact, many would say that travertine tile is one of the most elegant and durable flooring solutions available.

*The line of products from Aldon offer cleaners and care products specifically designed for these tiles. Some of their products are: Insta-Clean, Maintain, Dust Whiz and Aldon Lifeguard which is said to add extra gloss to sealed surfaces and prevents wear on previously sealed surfaces.