Travertine is left over from deposits of mineral waters rich in calcium bicarbonate caused by caves or hot springs or from sediments on the bottom of seas and rivers, which are seen in relatively wide areas.
In general, limestones have a variable texture, but most of themare fine-grained. Those that are coarse-grained consist of large crystals or fossil fragments. Fine-grained types have better polishability and their stability against weathering is better.
Dense limestones and dolomites, as well as those without impurities, have good durability, but their durability is less than granites and dense sandstones. Different types of dense and hard limestone have low water absorption (less than two percent), but in other types with lower density that can be used as building stones, more water absorption of about four to twelve percent is also seen. Travertine; It is porous but has good resistance and can be found in different colors. Due to the presence of iron, calcium and other impurities, this stone has a variety of colors and a striped texture, which has given this stone a double beauty. Some travertine stones available in the Iranian market:
- Isfahan walnut travertine stone
- Abbas Abad white travertine stone
- Abarkoh cream travertine stone
- Kashan silver travertine stone
- Azarshahr lemon travertine stone
Appearance of travertine stone
Travertine stone properties
Travertine has heat and sound insulation due to having holes. Travertine stone has acceptable resistance. This stone can be cut into wavy and non-wave shapes. Travertine has holes that must be filled during surface processing. The presence of holes in travertine allows the cement mortar to penetrate into these holes during stone installation and prevent the stone from falling. Therefore, it can be used in interior and exterior facades as well as for paving.
For example:
Physical characteristics of chocolate travertine
| Factor | Results |
| Density | 2.52 Ton/M3 |
| Abrasion resistance | 17.3 Hardness |
| Apparent porosity | 0.81% |
| Flexural strength | 9.6 Mpa |
| Compressive Strength | 78 Mpa |
| Modulus of rupture | 12 Mpa |
