Characteristics of travertine stones
Are you familiar with travertine stones and its unparalleled natural beauty? Would you like to know more about travertine stone?
In this article, we will introduce 12 features of travertine stone.
Travertine stone is a natural stone, like marble, granite, onyx, and limestone. Its unique formation gives it different features and uses.
Let’s say their unique formations give them different features and uses.
The major difference between travertine stone and other natural stones is in the way the stone is formed, its hardness, and its appearance.
Travertine stones take on different shapes due to the process they go through during formation.
The holes inside travertine stone make it unique and beautiful. This happens due to the release of carbon dioxide.
Buying Travertine
Travertine stones are extracted from quarries and broken into blocks. Then, they are sent to stone factories for cutting and processing. After being cut and processed, they are used in the form of slabs, tiles, mosaics, and more.
Travertine stones are mined and processed from the Sakhara and Azhiane quarries.
If you want to buy travertine stone, I recommend Azhiane Group. They’ve been working with building and decorative stones for years.
One of the important factors for those looking to buy these building stones is the price.
The price of travertine stones depends on their features.
If you study the features of this stone, you can make a more informed purchase.
Origin of Travertine
Travertine is formed from the transformation of limestone near hot springs.
Limestone is made of calcium carbonate, which is a primary component of the Earth’s crust.
The most notable travertine mine is in the Yellowstone National Park in North America.
Naming of Travertine Stone
The name “travertine” comes from the ancient city of Tibur in Italy, which is also called Tivoli. The history of this city goes back even before ancient Rome.
Travertine was also known as “lapis tiburtinus,” a name that later became known as travertine.
The methods of extracting travertine
Travertine is a type of stone found in many quarries around the world. The methods used to extract it are:
- Channeling machines
- Wire saws
- Chain saws
- Water jet cutting machines
Once the stone is taken out and separated from the quarry, it is moved to storage.
Later, the stone goes to the factory where it’s cut into slabs of different sizes. After processing, it’s packed and shipped based on customer needs.
Appearance Characteristics
Travertine has a unique appearance compared to other building stones because it has natural holes on the surface and wide range of colors, which attract attention.
The porous surface of travertine is caused by how the stone forms over time. This feature also makes it good for use in high-altitude work.
Quality Measurement Criteria
Travertine has holes and cavities on its surface, which might have formed because water collected on it over time. In many cases, these cavities are filled in the factory during production. The size of these holes shows the quality of the stone. Generally, the smaller the holes, the better the quality of the travertine and the closer it is to the standard.
Application of Travertine in Building Facades
Travertine is a natural stone that’s useful for all parts of a building. It’s been a popular construction material since ancient times, going all the way back to the Roman Empire. You can see it in famous structures like Roman churches, Roman baths, the lobby of the Sears Tower, and even parts of UCLA’s medical center.
In earlier times, it was used for everything from canals to supporting main columns. These days, travertine is mostly used for floors and walls because it’s stylish and durable .
Colors of Travertine
Travertine comes in different colors such as white, reddish-brown, cream, and gold. You can especially find it in shades of red, pink, and orange.
Some types of travertine also have black and white veins, which add to the beauty of the stone .
Travertine stones come in a wide variety. There are different types of travertine depending on where they’re mined, how they’re processed, their color, and other factors.
Types of Travertine
Travertine can be categorized based on how it’s processed into types like crushed, sliced, polished, brushed, and edge-cut.
Here are some types based on where they’re mined:
- Dare Bukhari
This is one of the best quality travertines. It’s very popular for building facades because of its light color and strong bond with cement and mortar.
- Atashkoh
Known for its white color and beautiful, regular patterns, Atashkoh is one of the most famous and high-quality white travertine stones, both in Iran and worldwide.
- Hajiabad
Compared to other travertines, Hajiabad is heavier and more durable. It also comes in a wide range of colors.
- Abbasabad
Abbasabad is one of the best light-colored travertines in the world. Its bright color and stunning shine make it one of the best-selling stones in the local market.
Sizes of Travertine
The size and thickness are important factors when cutting building stones. Travertine has a wide range of sizes, and it’s cut depending on its intended use. According to global standards, thinner stones are better because they help prevent the building from becoming too heavy.
Travertine in Buildings
Travertine can be used both inside and outside a building. It can also be combined with other stones like granite, marble, or ceramic for a decorative look.
Conditions for Protection
Travertine stones are softer than granite, so they need proper care to maintain their natural beauty.
To protect the surface, it’s covered with a sealer. Applying a sealer is easy and should be done during installation and periodically after that (typically every 3 to 5 years).
There are different types of sealers available on the market, but the most common ones are enhancing and natural sealers.
Enhancing sealers darken the surface of travertine, making it look wet .
On the other hand, natural sealers don’t change the appearance, but they help protect the surface.
Advantages of Travertine
High Durability:
Its strong nature makes travertine a good choice for outdoor use, especially because It handles cold temperatures well.
Its slip-resistant feature also makes it ideal for indoor spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.
The stone’s natural look makes homes more elegant and charming..
Wide Range of Colors:
Travertine has many colors, so it suits every style and taste.
For decoration works, brown, red, and orange travertine stones are commonly used.