# Facts About Travertine Stone
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Beauty From Within The Earth
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Ancient sites for hot springs or geysers are good locations to find travertine stone in nature. Travertine is part of the larger group of stone known as limestone (or calcium carbonate). This type of stone is formed when subterranean water sources collect mineral deposits over thousands of years, eventually producing a smooth, porous stone. Travertine is derived from limestone that has been heated and then propelled through the earth by water. It has a layered appearance and is usually earth-toned due to iron compounds or other organic impurities and has an earthy character. In hardness, travertine is similar to marble.
"Not" Slippery When Wet
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One of the key differences between travertine and other types of stone used for flooring is that it is considered to be a material that is less slippery when wet, providing better grip and less loss of friction. According to FBR Marble, Inc., which operates out of Long Beach, Calif., and Izmir, Turkey, travertine is often used in the high-traffic areas of hotels, casinos and shopping malls due to its reliability and trustworthiness under wet conditions.
It's The Finish
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Travertine's appearance varies from a natural, pitted look to a more elegant polished finish. There are a variety of looks that can be achieved with the same piece of stone, depending on how it is finished. For example, travertine tiles come in a variety of shades and finishes. Honed tiles are machine-smoothed with a matte finish. Honed-and-filled tiles are machine-smoothed with a matte finish, and the natural holes in the tile are filled with a matching pigment. Brushed tiles are scrubbed with wire brushes for a coarse appearance. Polished tiles are smoothed and polished until they have a shiny finish. Tumbled tiles are softer and more aged in appearance.
Travertine In Nature
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Travertine is the middle point in rock development between limestone and marble. Not only is travertine a common material used in construction, nature has her own uses for the calcite deposits. In addition to travertine stalactites and stalagmites in caves around the world, there are examples of complete "structures." Tonto Natural Bridge, located in central Arizona near Payson is believed to be the world's largest natural travertine bridge. "The bridge stands 183 feet high over a 400-foot long tunnel that measures 150 feet at its widest point," reads the Arizona State Parks website.
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