Travertine is a kind of sedimentary rock. This kind of rock evolves from the precipitation of carbonate materials. The rock is porous and has a number of cavities. It gets its name from its place of origin. The rock was discovered in Tivoli and the name of the stone comes from the Latin name of Tivoli. There have been slight alterations and modifications and now it is known as travertine. When water full of carbon dioxide permeates through the formations of limestone, the limestone gets dissolved and then becomes saturated. Thereafter re-crystallization occurs.

Travertine is generally found near any water bodies or valleys. Sometimes one can also find travertine cascades bear the waterfalls. It has been used as a building material and has also been used in a number of important buildings like the Colosseum in Rome. One can see the use of travertine in the Getty Centre in California. It is mostly used for patios and garden paths. Sometimes the stone is polished and used for the interiors of the house. If it is smooth and shiny, then the travertine can be used as floor tiles. Many use travertine as bathroom floor tiles. You will find different shades in travertine. One can see the natural grey or the coral red, both of which are used for bathroom tiles.

There are many who mistake travertine as marble for its look. Some modern buildings have used travertine for facades. Moreover they are known as durable, so they can be easily used in modern architectures. A large amount of travertine comes from Italy and Turkey. One can see the use of travertine tiles in kitchens. Most often they are used as kitchen countertops. You will be amazed at the diverse shades. It can be coral red or shades of tan. Travertine looks as good as marbles. If you want your building to look nice you can choose travertine for facades and patios.

You can have either travertine tiles or slabs. During the formation of travertine, the carbon dioxide gas bubbles are generally trapped inside the stone. After the gas evaporates, crystals are formed which is the main contributory factor for the natural texture and prosperity of travertine. Sometimes one can also find the surface of the travertine extremely rugged. The polished surface of travertine will have a glossy effect. Sometimes the travertine has a tumbled finish which gives it a weathered look. It will have a matte finish. You will find a number of vibrant shades in travertine. It looks beautiful and when it is sealed carefully, it will resist stains and scratches. However the stone is not resistant to all types of acids. You need to take proper care of travertine otherwise it might lose its luster. If you want to know more about travertine kitchen countertops, you can take a look at the selection of Topps Tiles.