12 Features of Travertine Stone

Features of Travertine Stone

Are you familiar with travertine stone and its peerless natural beauty? Would you like to know more about travertine? In this article, we introduce 12 features of travertine stone.

Travertine is a type of natural stone similar to marble, granite, onyx, limestone, etc., which possesses different characteristics and applications due to its formation process. The main difference between travertine and other natural stones lies in its formation method, stone hardness, and appearance. Travertine stones take on distinct forms as a result of the currents they undergo during formation.

The escape of carbon dioxide has caused pores to form inside the stone. This phenomenon has contributed to the uniqueness and beauty of travertine. After extraction from quarried mines, travertine stones are broken into travertine blocks and ultimately transferred to cutting factories. Once cut and processed, travertine is utilized in the form of slabs, tiles, mosaics, and more.

Purchasing Travertine

Travertine stones are extracted and processed in the Sahara and Azhiane collection. To purchase travertine, I recommend the Azhiane group; this collection has been active in the field of building stones and decorative stones for years.

Stone price is an important and notable factor for individuals intending to purchase these types of building stones. The price of travertine stones is determined based on their characteristics. By studying the features of this stone, you can proceed with its purchase with a broader perspective and deeper understanding.

Origin of Travertine Formation

Travertine is the result of the alteration of limestones around hot springs. Limestone is made of calcium carbonate, which is a primary component of the earth's crust. The most notable travertine quarry is located in Yellowstone National Park in North America.

Naming of Travertine Stone

The name of travertine is derived from the ancient Italian city of Tibur, also called Tivoli; the roots of this ancient city predate the Roman era. Travertine is also known by the name "Lapis Tiburtinus," which over time became famous as travertine stone.

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Travertine Quarries

Most travertine quarries are located in Italy, Mexico, Iran, Turkey, and Peru, and are supplied to global markets from these countries. The majority of America's commercial travertine stones are imported from Turkey.

Travertine Extraction Methods

Travertine is among the stones extracted in many quarries worldwide. Travertine extraction methods include the following:

Channeling machines

Diamond wire saws

Chain saws

Waterjet cutting machines

After extraction and separating the stone from the quarry face, it is transferred to a warehouse for storage. Following these steps, the stone is transported to the factory and then cut into slabs of various sizes and dimensions. After processing stages, it is packaged and shipped according to customers' needs and requirements.

Appearance Characteristics

Due to natural pores on its surface and a wide color spectrum, travertine features a unique appearance compared to other building stones that captivates the eye. The porous surface of travertine is due to the conditions and manner of its formation over time, a feature that facilitates working at heights.

Quality Assessment Criteria

There are holes and pores on the surface of travertine stone that may be caused by water accumulation on it over a long period. In many cases, these pores are filled in the factory during the production process. The size of the created pores indicates the quality of the stone; as a general rule, the smaller the existing pores, the higher the quality level of the travertine and the closer it is to standards.

Application of Travertine Stone in Building Facades

Travertine is applicable for all sections of a building. These stones are used as building materials, dating back to architecture across Europe from the Roman Empire era (with the construction of Burghausen Castle in Germany). Among structures built with travertine are Roman churches, Roman baths, the lobby of the Sears Tower, and the first-floor walls at the UCLA Medical Center, among others. Travertine was used in all parts, including channels and for loading main columns. Today, it is mostly used for flooring and walls.

Travertine Colors

Travertine is available in various colors, including white, reddish-brown, brown, cream, and gold. It can also be found in shades of red, pink, and orange. In some travertines, black and white veins exist, which enhance the beauty of these stones even further.

Types of Travertine

Travertine stones exhibit extremely high variety. Travertines include various types depending on their extraction location, production and processing method, color, and more.

In terms of production methods, travertine stones are divided into tumbled, chipped, polished, brushed, cut, and edge-cut types.

Among its types according to extraction location, the following can be mentioned:

• Darreh Bokhari

Darreh Bokhari travertine stone is one of the highest-quality types of travertines, highly popular and sought after for building facade applications due to its bright color and excellent adhesion with mortar and cement.

• Atashkuh

Atashkuh, due to its white color and beautiful, regular waves, is among the most famous and premium white travertine stones both in Iran and in global stone markets.

• Hajiabad

Hajiabad is heavier and more resistant compared to other travertines available in the market; additionally, these stones feature high color diversity.

• Abbasabad

Abbasabad travertine is among the finest light-colored travertine types in the world. Due to its bright color and dazzling polish, it is one of the best-selling building stones in domestic markets.

Travertine Sizes

Size and thickness are important and notable points when cutting building stones. Travertine stone encompasses a wide range of dimensions and sizes. Depending on the intended application, travertine is cut to size. Of course, according to global standards, the thinner the stone thickness, the better, as it ultimately prevents excessive building weight increase.

Travertine Complements in Structures

Travertine stone can be applied in both interior and exterior parts of a building. This stone can be used as a decorative piece in combination with granite, onyx (مرمر), or ceramics.

Required Conditions for Maintenance

Because travertine stones are softer than granites, conditions must be provided to protect their natural beauty; for this reason, their surface is coated with a sealer. Surface coating with a sealer is very easy, and this task should be performed during installation and periodically thereafter (typically in a 3 to 5-year timeframe).

Currently, various types of sealers exist on the market, but the most common ones are enhancing and natural types. Enhancing sealers darken the travertine surface so that it appears "wet." However, using natural sealers creates no appearance change, merely protecting the surface.

Advantages of Travertine

High Resistance: High strength has led to its frequent use in outdoor spaces, as these stones exhibit high resistance, especially against cold. The anti-slip feature makes the application of this stone suitable and ideal in interior building sections such as kitchens or bathrooms. Its highly natural and beautiful appearance brings character and grandeur to homes.

High Color Diversity: It can cater to every style and taste. For works with decorative aspects, brown, red, and orange travertine stones are often used. Travertine can be transformed into various shapes due to its polishability, buffing, and brushing capabilities.

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