Travertine is a sedimentary rock that falls into the group of chemical rocks, because it is formed by the accumulation of chemical sediments that have been generated by the dissolution of calcareous rocks due to the action of acid water.
This type of chemical rock is commonly found associated with caverns as stalagmites or stalactites and as a filler for spaces in the rocks.
Travertine properties
Travertine is a chemical sedimentary rock that is composed almost entirely of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and with some other metal ions that are impurities in its composition and that give it the appearance of colored bands.
The most important physical and chemical properties of travertine are shown below.
| Travertine | Properties and Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Rock type | chemical sedimentary rock |
| Chemical composition | CaCO3 (calcium carbonate) |
| main minerals | calcite, aragonite, dolomite |
| Origin, formation, genesis | Chemical sedimentary, hydrothermalism |
| associated rocks | limestone, dolomite |
| Density or specific weight | 2.7 g/cm3 |
| Mohs hardness | 3 |
| Texture | banded, crystalline |
| Color | yellow, red, cream, white, gray |
Characteristic
The following explains which are the most important characteristics that travertine has and that serve for its correct identification.
Color
Travertine is naturally light in color in whitish tones, however, because it comes from the dissolution of rocks that contain calcium carbonate and other metal ions such as iron (Fe 2+), it usually has a banded appearance with various colors that they range from yellow, red, cream, brown, brown, gray, and even green.
Texture
The texture that travertine has is a mixture between crystalline calcite minerals distributed as bands throughout the entire rock. This is due to the fact that travertine is formed by the constant accumulation of calcium carbonate in the form of drops from the rock solution.
Associated minerals
The minerals associated with travertine are much the same as calzia, since travertine is also made up almost entirely of calcium carbonate with some iron and magnesium impurities.
The main mineralogy would be calcite and aragonite, sometimes with dolomite.
Sedimentary environment
Travertine differs from limestone primarily in the geological setting of formation.
Travertine is clearly associated with chemical precipitation generated by the dissolution of rocks that contain calcium carbonate. This dissolution is generated by the constant erosion of water, especially with an acidic pH, in continental environments in caverns, caves, in volcanic and hydrothermal systems. close to rivers that affect limestone. While limestone is formed by the biological action of microorganisms in a marine environment.
Origin and formation of travertine
Travertine is related to a continental environment where chemical dissolution occurs due to the effect of water with an acidic pH that affects rocks that contain a high percentage of calcium carbonate.
The dissolution of these rocks creates a chemical sediment in the form of concentrated ions in the water, which accumulate as drops and generate very striking chemical sedimentary rocks that even tend to have a structure such as colored bands.
This chemical accumulation usually happens in caverns, in volcanic hydrothermal systems and as rock fill, and they also tend to appear very close to underground rivers.
Travertine deposits
This rock is highly valued due to its appearance and its resistance to be used in construction, in addition, it is very similar in physical properties to marble and limestone, which is why it is usually very popular, especially in Europe and Asia.
Specifically in Europe it is found in Spain, in addition, it can be found in Greece.
In Asia, it is popular in China and India.
Travertine uses
Travertine, due to its similarity to marble, limestone and dolomite, is used in the same activities.
Use of travertine in construction
- Due to its beauty and resistance, travertine deposits are exploited to manufacture finishing products for construction such as tiles and coating for walls, floors and counters, for houses, buildings and shopping centers.
- Because it has a high percentage of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) it is quite useful as an additive for the manufacture of cement.
- Thanks to its hardness and the fact that it is easy to mold, it can be used to make sculptures and statues just as it is done with marble.
- In modern architecture it is widely used for facade cladding.
Uses of travertine as an ornamental stone
This rock, due to its origin and formation related to dissolution and hydrothermalism, usually presents a striking appearance in colored bands, which makes it very attractive to generate various sculptures and accessories that are valued by collectors.