Travertine Stone is Soft and Delicate to Look at.

Travertine, large quarry exist at Tivoli, Italy, near Rome. In fact, Travertine gets its name from this town. Tivoli was known as Tibur in ancient Roman times. The ancient name for the stone was "Lapis Tiburtinus" meaning "Tibur Stone", which has been renamed to Travertine.

Travertine forms from hot spring water percolating up through underground limestone. When the water evaporates, it leaves behind layers of dissolved limestone and other minerals, giving it its banded appearance.

The characteristic holes in travertine are the result of trapped gas bubbles; as the gas escapes, crystals form in the cavities. The resultant stone is a smooth, porous, naturally decorative material which offers a soft cream hue, and overall old-world beauty, and a dense and durable surface.

Travertine sometimes is known as Travertine Limestone, sometimes as Travertine Marble, these are the same stones, even though it is neither Limestone nor Marble. Travertine is characterized by pitted holes and troughs in its surface. Although these troughs occur naturally, they suggest to some eyes that considerable wear and tear has occurred over many years. Sometimes grout is used to fill these holes, whereas others leave them open. Travertine can even be purchased "filled" or "unfilled".

Travertine can be effectively polished to a smooth, shiny finish and comes in a variety of colors from gray to coral-red.

Travertine is most commonly available in tile sizes for floor installations. In addition to Marble, Slate, and Granite, Travertine has long been a popular material for stone tile flooring. It even has a rich history that runs parallel to the development of Western civilization itself.

Travertine stone is well established as a dependable type of Natural Stone. Travertine never appears as one solid color. The color tones vary and veins or bands of contrasting color run throughout the stone. No two Travertine slabs or tiles are alike.

The surface finishes for Travertine stone vary. Not all Travertine's are capable of the polished/high gloss finish. Only the harder types will. This stone will never achieve the same glossy finish as Granite will. A honed finish is the most popular type of finish. It's not a shiny and reflective finish. More of a matte or a sheen finish. Tumbled Travertine makes the stone appear scuffed, weathered, or aged.

Travertine tile is used as floor tile in both residential and commercial buildings, as well as a decorative option for wall cladding and backsplashes. Travertine tile has both indoor and outdoor uses, being a durable stone, and can be both functional and aesthetically striking.

There are Travertine sinks, mosaic tiles, statuary, fireplace surrounds, tub surrounds, vanities, and tables. Travertine can be used as accessories such as light switch plates, trim, vases, and coasters. Travertine can be used for countertops but it's not recommended. It scratches, stains, and absorbs liquids easier than other natural stones. If you plan to use Travertine for your countertop, make sure it is a harder and less porous stone.

The classic aged look of tumbled Travertine will warm your home. A polished or honed Travertine becomes a bit more formal but yet, it's still inviting. The soft earthy hues of this natural stone truly keep it in tune with nature.

Most Travertine tile, slabs prefabricated bowls, medallions and fireplaces are imported from Italy, Middle East, Turkey and Mexico. Travertine comes in all different sizes, from small mosaics, to 36"x36" tiles, to large heavy slabs.