Understanding Travertine
Travertine is a sedimentary rock created when calcium carbonate precipitates out of geothermal spring water. As the mineral-laden water flows over surfaces, it deposits layers of calcite that build up over thousands of years, trapping gas bubbles that create the stone's signature pitted, porous surface. The most famous travertine quarries are in Tivoli, Italy (from which the stone gets its name — Lapis Tiburtinus). The Colosseum and the colonnade of St. Peter's Basilica are built from Roman travertine. Travertine comes in warm earth tones — ivory, beige, walnut, gold, and rust — determined by the mineral content present during formation. It is softer than granite or quartzite (3-4 on the Mohs scale), which means it scratches more easily but also has a tactile warmth that harder stones lack.
Travertine in Interior Design
Travertine brings a timeless, Old World warmth to interior spaces that few materials can match. In bathrooms, it creates spa-like environments as floor tiles, shower walls, and tub surrounds. In kitchens, honed and filled travertine serves as countertops with a softer, more organic look than granite. As flooring, large-format travertine tiles in warm beige or ivory make rooms feel expansive and grounded. Travertine comes in several finishes: polished (glossy, showing full color depth), honed (matte, smooth), tumbled (softened edges, rustic aged look), and brushed (textured, revealing the natural pitting). The tumbled finish is popular for Mediterranean, Tuscan, and rustic interiors, while honed travertine suits modern and transitional spaces. All travertine should be sealed to prevent staining due to its natural porosity.
