Travertine - The classic beauty with holes and pores
What is travertine?
Travertine is a sedimentary limestone that is particularly notable for its characteristic porous structure and natural color variations. The porous structures give travertine its distinctive appearance and natural beauty.
Where does travertine come from?
Travertine is mined worldwide, with some of the best-known deposits in Italy, Turkey, Iran, Mexico and the USA. The travertine from the Italian region of Tivoli, which was already used in ancient Rome, is particularly famous. A prominent example is the Colosseum in Rome, which was largely built from travertine.
Other well-known buildings made of travertine:
Well-known travertine buildings beyond the Colosseum in Rome include the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Paris, the Getty Center in Los Angeles, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the Trevi Fountain in Rome and the Burgtheater in Vienna.
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica (Paris, France): This striking church on Montmartre Hill is clad in travertine, which gives it its distinctive white facade.
- Getty Center (Los Angeles, USA): The art museum and research institute uses Italian travertine to give the modern structure a timeless elegance and natural warmth.
- St. Peter's Basilica (Rome, Italy): Parts of the interior of this imposing basilica are decorated with travertine, which contributes to the magnificent and venerable atmosphere of the building.
- Trevi Fountain (Rome, Italy): This world-famous fountain is made of travertine and is a symbol of Rome's baroque splendor and historical importance.
- Burgtheater (Vienna, Austria): One of the most important German-speaking theaters that uses travertine for its impressive and elegant architecture.
- Kaiserthermen (Trier, Germany): These ancient Roman baths use travertine for their monumental and well-preserved structures.
- Philharmonie Luxembourg (Luxembourg): This modern concert building is clad in travertine, giving it an elegant and attractive appearance.
What colors can travertine have?
The color of travertine varies from creamy white to beige to golden brown and dark brown, depending on the specific minerals, organisms and deposits that were present during the geological history of its formation. Because of its natural beauty, versatility, and durability, travertine is a popular building material for flooring, wall cladding, countertops, and indoor and outdoor decorative features. Its timeless aesthetics and historical significance make travertine a valued material in architecture and design.
How is travertine formed?
Travertine was created over millions of years through a fascinating geological process that usually takes place in hot springs or rivers. The main component of this rock is calcium carbonate, which precipitates from water when temperature and carbon dioxide levels change. The water flowing through calcareous rock layers dissolves calcium carbonate and absorbs it in dissolved form. When this mineral-rich water then rises to the surface, carbon dioxide escapes into the atmosphere, reducing the solubility of the calcium carbonate and leading to its precipitation.
This precipitation process is often layered and continuous, resulting in the characteristic formation of travertine. The precipitation of calcium carbonate forms thin layers that thicken over long periods of time. During the deposition process, gases are often trapped and, once released, leave behind the cavities and pores in the rock. This gives the travertine its characteristic porous structure and texture.
The formation of travertine is highly dependent on environmental conditions, such as the temperature of the water, the carbon dioxide content and the presence of microorganisms that can also contribute to the precipitation of calcium carbonate. The colors and patterns that make travertine so unique result from various inclusions and minerals that become embedded during deposition. Iron oxides, for example, can produce reddish or yellowish tones, while organic materials can cause darker stains. This natural process takes hundreds of thousands of years and results in the formation of a rock valued for its beauty and diversity.
Travertine is valued in many areas of the construction and design industries for its aesthetic and physical properties. Its natural beauty and variety of hues make it a preferred material for flooring, wall coverings, stairs, countertops and decorative elements in indoor and outdoor areas.
Travertine is both strong and durable, making it ideal for heavily used surfaces.
The use of travertine for tables is particularly interesting. A table made of travertine combines functionality and elegance. The natural patterns and color variations of the stone make each table unique.
Travertine tables are not only visually appealing, but also extremely practical. The material is heat-resistant and can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for kitchen and dining tables. Travertine is also relatively easy to care for and can be made even more resistant to stains and dirt with a seal.
The porosity of travertine can also be an advantage in table use, as it adds a certain texture and depth that man-made materials cannot replicate.
In addition, travertine harmonizes perfectly with various interior styles, from rustic to modern, which underlines its versatility. Due to its natural beauty and practical benefits, travertine remains a sought-after choice for high-quality, long-lasting furniture pieces.
Which surface is right for me?
Travertine is available in a variety of finishes, highlighting its versatility and adaptability to various design needs and applications. The most common surfaces include cement filled, resin filled, open pore and open pore and brushed.
Cement-filled: During this processing, the natural pores and holes of the travertine are filled with cement, resulting in a smooth and even surface. This technique increases the durability and ease of care of the stone, making it particularly suitable for high-traffic indoor areas.
Resin filled: The pores and holes are filled with transparent resin, which creates an even smoother and more durable surface. This treatment gives the travertine a clean look and additional resistance to moisture and stains, making it ideal for kitchen countertops and bathroom tiles. The holes and pores remain visible even though they have been closed.
Open-pored: With open-pored surfaces, the natural pores of the travertine remain unfilled, creating a rustic and authentic aesthetic. This surface treatment is particularly popular in architectural projects that emphasize a natural and original character.
Open-pored and brushed: This technique combines the natural open-poredness with a brushed texture that gives the stone a soft, matte surface. Brushing emphasizes the natural grain and structure of the travertine and gives it an antique charm.
Unfilled travertine surfaces are particularly suitable for outdoor use as they drain water better and can withstand natural weather conditions. These diverse surface finishes make travertine an extremely flexible material for various architectural and decorative applications.
Have a table made from travertine
In our factory in Saxony-Anhalt, we, the MAGNA Atelier , manufacture sustainable and high-quality natural stone tables according to individual requirements. Feel free to browse our existing collections for tables made of marble, quartzite and onyx.
If you would like a table made of travertine, we can make it for you as a custom order .
We offer various surface finishes depending on customer preference.
Our craftsmanship guarantees unique tables that are a highlight in every room.
