Travertine

Travertine is a soft, porous, calcitic sedimentary rock, which, unlike other limestones, usually forms in caves or around thermal springs, when geothermally heated alkaline water with high mineral contents penetrate the surface and evaporate, leaving behind columns or stacks of calcium carbonate in the form of stalagmites or stalactites, often displaying a banded appearance due to the way it rapidly forms over other rock at varying intervals. Naturally white due to its calcite and carbonate composition, it can display other colourings due to the mineral content and staining during its formation. Used extensively by ancient empires from Egypt to Rome, both countries have remained the chief exporters of dimensioned blocks, slabs, bricks, sheets and veneers of travertine which is usually fairly cool and smooth to touch, with high quality variants able to accept a polish. This smooth finished, classic, soft tone blonde travertine stone displays a gorgeous banding between light, golden blonde and sliver streaks, owing to its formation, with bands of deep scores and pores. It can be used internally and, if treated with a protective coating or polish, externally for flooring, patios, wall cladding, window and door surrounds, stairs, fireplace and bathroom surrounds, splashbacks and kitchen worktops, being slip resistant and a premium, highly decorative finishing material. The soft golden-blonde base with white and grey speckles and streaks of large cracks and pores create a dynamic, intriguing surface, while chips and blemishes are frequent, evident of a material which is less suited to high traffic areas. Without proper treatment, travertine is susceptible to staining and corrosion from acidic substances and is a porous stone, therefore it must be properly sealed and coated when specified in wet areas or as kitchen worktops or splashbacks. The naturally smooth texture and stable, clearly banded, slight variations in tone and pattern are characteristic of travertine. The finish offers a reflective, joyful, high quality appearance with its higher-than-usual level of sheen thanks to its honed or polished finish.