Travertine is a white/cream/light brown stone resulting from deposits of calcium carbonate laid down in river beds and springs, especially hot springs. It is usually hard and semi-crystalline with attractive banding due to the iron compounds or other impurities present.

Travertine is characterized by the distinctive pits and crevices which pepper it. These can be left, providing a non-slip surface, usually employed outdoors, or filled with resins or travertine powder by the factory, or with grout by your tiler, when installed internally.

Travertine is a porous material and easily stained. It needs to be treated with care to avoid compromising its appearance, whether employed indoors or out. Sealing is strongly recommended for internal use. Because of its chemistry (calcium carbonate) travertine does not retain heat, which makes it an ideal choice for pool surrounds.

Available in a variety of finishes and cuts, the most popular travertine is cross or "flower" cut - highlighting the spots and swirls, or vein cut which, as the name suggests, is cut along the vein, creating a banded look. Finishes include honed, polished or tumbled.

COLOURS: White, cream, beige, light brown, grey, yellow, pink, red.

HARDNESS: Mohs 3-4