-Travertino-
Description & Features
Travertine is a sedimentary rock of calcium carbonate that forms when spring water – often from hot springs – loses carbon dioxide and deposits calcite; this process gives it its characteristic pores and voids. Travertino is a beige variety in vein cut, a cut that shows the layers of the rock as parallel lines: across the slab, fine horizontal bands in a slightly darker beige run over a light beige to creamy off-white background, with small elongated pores along them, in a look reminiscent of wood grain. The slab is supplied unfinished, without filling or a final finish, so that processing can be matched to the use: filling of the pores and honing or polishing for floors and bathrooms, or a brushed texture for a more rustic result. Commercial travertines typically have a density of about 2.3–2.5 g/cm³ and compressive strength in the order of 40–65 MPa, with water absorption that depends strongly on the pores. As a material that is light for its strength, it is used for floors, wall and facade cladding, stairs, bathrooms and spa areas, with a tradition that goes back to ancient Rome. It is sensitive to acids and needs sealing; in exterior areas with frost, the suitability of the batch must be checked, as water trapped in the pores can cause damage.
Why choose Travertino
- Classic beige shade with linear veining in a vein cut
- Warm, natural texture with the characteristic pores
- Unfinished slab – filling and finish to order
- Timeless material with a tradition from ancient Rome
Technical Specifications
| Geological Type | Sedimentary rock – travertine (calcareous spring deposit) |
| Color & Pattern | Light beige to creamy off-white background with fine parallel bands (vein cut) and small open pores along the layers |
| Hardness (Mohs) | ≈3 (calcite – typical for travertine) |
| Density (g/cm³) | ≈2.3–2.5 (typical for travertine – tests on Turkish and Italian travertines, not a test of this batch) |
| Water Absorption (%) | ≈0.5–4.5 (typical range in travertine tests, depending on the pores – not a test of this batch) |
| Compressive Strength (MPa) | ≈40–65 (typical – tests on travertines from Turkey and Italy, not a test of this batch) |
| Flexural Strength (MPa) | ≈9–10 (indicative tests on a light-coloured travertine – not a test of this batch) |
| Frost Resistance | Depends on the pores and origin; as an unfinished, unfilled material it holds water in its voids – for exteriors with frost the batch must be checked and properly sealed |
| Acid Sensitivity | Sensitive – calcium carbonate; acids (lemon, vinegar, wine, descalers) dull and corrode the surface |
| Recommended Finishes | Unfinished – sawn, with open pores (as supplied), Filled and honed – after processing, Filled and polished – after processing, Brushed for a rustic texture |
Common Applications
Frequently Asked Questions
Export & project supply
SKARIS MARBLE supplies Travertino to stone importers, fabricators, architects and hotel projects outside Greece. From our facility in Thessaloniki we handle the whole order in-house:
- Slab selection and matching – we grade and match the slabs for colour and veining, so a large order stays uniform across the whole project.
- Cut-to-size and finishing – pieces cut, edged and finished to your drawings, numbered per room or elevation and ready to install.
- Mixed shipments – Greek marbles, granites, porous limestone (porolithos) and quartz surfaces can be combined in one order.
- Export packing – crated and labelled for sea or road freight, ex-works Thessaloniki; delivered terms quoted on request.
Send us your drawings or quantities and we will come back with a quotation and availability.
