A material record / Stone
Travertine
A pale, porous limestone laid down by mineral-rich spring water, quarried near Tivoli since Roman times.
01 / Origin
Where it comes from.
Travertine is a light-coloured, porous rock made mostly of calcite, formed in layers as mineral-rich spring water slowly deposits calcium carbonate. Its typical holes were left by trapped bubbles of carbon dioxide.
Thick deposits occur near Tivoli in Italy and at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone. It polishes to a matte finish and is used inside and outside buildings.
In the Atlas: Italy, United States
02 / Colour
The colours it gives.
Sampled from the material, at the numbered points.
Warm cream and pale honey, with slightly darker bands and pores.
- 01Light
#E2CDB0 - 02Body
#DEC6A7 - 03Band
#D4BC9D
03 / In the studies
Where it appears.
3 studies use it.
Care
Travertine is porous and etched by acids. Wipe up wine and citrus quickly, and use a pH-neutral cleaner.