Travertine stone is sometimes called travertine marble, but it is limestone that has been permeated with calcium carbonate. Travertine forms when limestone is saturated with water that has been heated in underground hot springs and then has cooled as the water proceeds into cooler underground streams. These changes in temperature are necessary in the formation of travertine. Aragonite is formed when the water is hot, and when the water cools, calcite forms. Then as the water enters a deposit of limestone these two minerals solidify and form calcium carbonate.
Travertine is a dense sedimentary rock that has pits and pores pervading throughout the stone. Gases that are produced by carbonates are trapped as bubbles within the stone at formation and are gradually released over time leaving the unique texture of travertine. The deterioration of aquatic plants has also contributed to the vacant pockets within travertine.
Throughout the centuries travertine has been a quality building material used in many structures, some of which have been standing for hundreds of years. A castle in Germany built mainly of travertine is 1000 years old. The Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful buildings in architectural history, was made primarily of travertine.
Travertine deposits have been found around the globe, in places such as Afghanistan, Mexico, Peru, Hungary and China. Some locations in the western United States commercially produce travertine. But the most famous deposits of travertine are found around and near Tivoli, Italy. The stones used in building the ancient Roman Coliseum came from this area.
Travertine would be found only in shades of white if impurities in the water did not exist. Organic impurities as well as minerals such as iron carbonate provide the veins of color that range in diverse shades of brown, red, yellow, orange and gray.
Today, travertine is commercially produced as blocks used in constructing walls of buildings. Most of the travertine pulled from the deposits is further developed into tiles. Travertine tiles are used as pathways and stepping stones in landscaping, or as patios and pool surrounds. Architects have used travertine tiles on interior and exterior walls to enhance the beauty of their buildings.
But the majority of travertine tiles are used as flooring. Tumbled travertine tiles have softened edges and corners and the natural pits, pockets and pores have been left open to be filled with grout. Customers choose the color of the grout that will compliment the color of the tile to their satisfaction.
Chiseled and brushed travertine tiles have been further developed but also retain the pits and pores to be filled with grout if the customer chooses. The edges of these tiles have been squared.
In producing honed and filled travertine tiles, the pits, pockets and pores are filled and the tiles are polished to a satiny finish.
Travertine is a natural stone that retains its coolness underfoot even in summer. The durability and charm of the stone lends itself to use in any area of a home or business.
To learn more about travertine tile in your area visit www.stonelinegroup.com today!
North Carolina Travertine Tile
Travertine is a dense sedimentary rock that has pits and pores pervading throughout the stone. Gases that are produced by carbonates are trapped as bubbles within the stone at formation and are gradually released over time leaving the unique texture of travertine. The deterioration of aquatic plants has also contributed to the vacant pockets within travertine.
Throughout the centuries travertine has been a quality building material used in many structures, some of which have been standing for hundreds of years. A castle in Germany built mainly of travertine is 1000 years old. The Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful buildings in architectural history, was made primarily of travertine.
Travertine deposits have been found around the globe, in places such as Afghanistan, Mexico, Peru, Hungary and China. Some locations in the western United States commercially produce travertine. But the most famous deposits of travertine are found around and near Tivoli, Italy. The stones used in building the ancient Roman Coliseum came from this area.
Travertine would be found only in shades of white if impurities in the water did not exist. Organic impurities as well as minerals such as iron carbonate provide the veins of color that range in diverse shades of brown, red, yellow, orange and gray.
Today, travertine is commercially produced as blocks used in constructing walls of buildings. Most of the travertine pulled from the deposits is further developed into tiles. Travertine tiles are used as pathways and stepping stones in landscaping, or as patios and pool surrounds. Architects have used travertine tiles on interior and exterior walls to enhance the beauty of their buildings.
But the majority of travertine tiles are used as flooring. Tumbled travertine tiles have softened edges and corners and the natural pits, pockets and pores have been left open to be filled with grout. Customers choose the color of the grout that will compliment the color of the tile to their satisfaction.
Chiseled and brushed travertine tiles have been further developed but also retain the pits and pores to be filled with grout if the customer chooses. The edges of these tiles have been squared.
In producing honed and filled travertine tiles, the pits, pockets and pores are filled and the tiles are polished to a satiny finish.
Travertine is a natural stone that retains its coolness underfoot even in summer. The durability and charm of the stone lends itself to use in any area of a home or business.
To learn more about travertine tile in your area visit www.stonelinegroup.com today!
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