Main differences Between Travertine and Marble

Main differences between travertine and marble stones lies on their formation. Marble is formed when limestone comes under high pressures and temperatures. Travertine, is formed under additional high pressures and temperatures too. However travertine is formed in hot springs and limestone caves.

As mentioned in previous papers, travertine is a type of limestone deposited by hot mineral springs called karst. The water movement from the springs erodes the travertine, creating holes in the stones structure. The structure of travertine can be likened to that of a honeycomb, where small pockets or cavities exist within the stone; these are exposed as holes in the surface when it’s cut into tiles.  These holes can either be left open or filled by the factory making the tiles with a cement based filler. Occasionally a resin filler is used especially in polished travertine. 

Travertine vs. Marble

Even if you’re just at the very beginning stages of a home project involving surfacing material, you’ve undoubtedly come across the word travertine. But what, exactly, is this material? Is it limestone? marble? or both? Or is it something completely different? Truth is, travertine is often sold as marble or limestone, even though it’s neither. Travertine is a natural stone, just like marble, granite, and limestone in fact, travertine is a type of limestone, as is marble. We know today that marble actually began as a limestone before it underwent metamorphosis from immense pressures and high temperatures over time. However they are not the same.

Travertine vs. Other Types of Natural Stone

The key difference between travertine and other natural stones is how the material was formed. Travertine is formed in hot springs or limestone caves. Basically, its limestone that has been affected by additional heat and pressure applied by the earth’s crust. It’s formed on land rather than in the ocean. Travertine is typically polished to a smooth finish, honed into a matte finish, brushed/tumbled into a textured surface, filled to a smoother finish, or chiseled to an uneven finish.

Travertine has some telltale characteristics that separate it from regular limestone. One key trait is the holes found within the stone. These are caused by carbon dioxide evasion.

Travertine Color Range

Travertine can range in color from ivory and beige to walnut and gold. The color is determined by the amount of iron or other organic impurities found in the particular slab of travertine.

Travertine Interior and Exterior applications

Because it’s easily available and easy to work with, travertine is a popular building stone for both interior and exterior applications. Travertine can be purchased in a wide array of sizes and patterns, which makes it versatile and appropriate for nearly any application from flooring and wall cladding (including showers) to backsplashes and fireplace surrounds. Travertine also feels soft underfoot. It is a good bit softer than its limestone kin, and it’s nearly impossible to keep a shine. But once it settles into its native, matte finish, few materials offer the warmth that travertine does. 

Travertine Formation

Travertine is a natural stone like marble, onyx, limestone, slate, granite etc. It is formed by a process of rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate and originated often at the mouth of hot springs or deposited in limestone caves. It is sometimes known as travertine limestone or travertine marble. These are the same stone, although travertine is classified properly as a type of limestone, not marble. The crucial discrepancy between travertine and other natural stones derives from the formation of the rock, the hardness of the stone and the fibrous but also concentric appearance.

Turning back to the first question, travertine is not the same stone as marble. Although, they have a similar appearance, travertine and marble are completely different stones. Sometimes travertine is known as travertine marble but they aren’t the same.

Main differences Between Travertine and Marble

Travertine is a type of limestone. It is typically recognized for its surface voids and holes. This is the most naturally form travertine. However, you can also get their holes honed and filled as well as polished. This makes the tiles completely flat and smooth surface convenient for sweeping clean. Compared with marble, travertine is more commonly used in floor installations.

Due to travertine’s durability, weather resistance and other practical properties, it is well regarded as a practical tile especially for outdoor tiling. Marble is typically not used as often as travertine outdoors as it requires much more maintenance, upkeep and care. Therefore, marble tiles are used more in internal applications such as bench tops.

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Sources

www.marbleandgranite.com/blog/2013/august-2013/isn-t-travertine-just-a-fancy-word-for-marble

www.archcitygranite.com/what-is-the-main-and-most-important-difference-between-travertine-and-marble/#:~:text=The%20key%20difference%20between%20the,hot%20springs%20and%20limestone%20caves

www.stonesuperstore.co.uk/the-truth-about-travertine-2

www.leonardomarble.com/14-blog/29-why-travertine-is-so-popular/

travertine-tiles-pavers.com.au/travertine-tiles-marble-tiles/